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Af-Pak strategies

RUSI is engaged across its programmes and initiatives in examining the wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan - and what they entail for Britain's security.

Local political developments continue to set the pace of security in the region. RUSI's Asia programme closely monitors the geography and politics of both wars.

In addition, the Transatlantic Security and European Security programmes have explored how international intervention interacts with these local conditions.

RUSI's combined Military Sciences programmes are examining all aspects of military performance in both theatres - including the intensive strategy debate in Britain on sending more equipment and troops to Afghanistan.

Finally, the Future Defence Review project explores the long-lasting effects of involvement in Afghanistan and Pakistan for Britain's future military posture.

Latest research

Afghanistan/Iran/Pakistan Cross-Border Security Symposium
23 February 2010
This paper is born out of a RUSI conference that brought together analysts to propose a trilateral response to the region, beginning with a shelving of existing border disputes.

RUSI report outlines plan to beat corruption in the Afghan National Police
25 November 2009
The international community must abandon an 'obsession' with quantity over quality in order to combat corruption within the ranks of the Afghan National Police, according to a report published by the Royal United Services Institute.

Related research areas and publications

Land Operations and Capabilities

Examining land forces and their current operations

Recasting Britain's alliance with the United States and Europe in a changing world

Focusing on the impact of international threats on the UK's security and defence, and on subsequent policy responses

Asia

Defence, diplomacy and security in the world's largest and most populous continent

Latest commentary

What Will Success Look Like in Operation Moshtarak? Commentary: 16 Feb 2010
Operation Moshtarak is the most important campaign in Afghanistan since the invasion in 2001. Its success, however, will not be measured in military terms but in terms of public opinion, both in Helmand and the rest of Afghanistan and in the Coalition's domestic electorate.

Afghans optimistic for the future Commentary: 11 Jan 2010
The results of an annual poll of Afghan opinion show a surprising degree of optimism for their country's future direction. But we should not rest on our laurels. A great deal could go wrong before the favourable perceptions can be seen to have turned a genuine corner in Afghanistan.

Latest publications

The Afghan National Army: Unwarranted Hope? Articles: 16 Dec 2009 by Antonio Giustozzi
Building up the Afghan Army is a crucial element of NATO stabilisation efforts. But this approach may be built on unsound assumptions

The Rise (and Fall?) of AfPak Articles: 24 Nov 2009 by Arabella Phillimore
Washington's newest shorthand ‘AfPak’ illustrates the regional dimension to the current conflict, but alienates friends and foes on both sides of the border

India's Af-Pak Strategy Articles: 25 Feb 2010 by Shashank Joshi
India is playing a key role in the Afghan conflict. But its animosity with Pakistan threatens this contribution, and the US has been unable to choose a long-term partner

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