RUSI Mission Statement and Bye-Laws

1. RUSI was founded in 1831 by the Duke of Wellington and his senior colleagues. 

2. The Charter of Incorporation of 22 February 1860 for the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies states that the purpose of the Institute is: The Promotion and Advancement of Naval and Military Science and Literature The mission statement below explains this purpose for a modern setting. 

3. As an independent charity, RUSI produces evidence-based research and convenes events on defence, security and international affairs to help build a safer UK and a more secure, equitable and stable world. RUSI scholars debate and discuss critical issues, anticipate future trends and promote practical solutions for complex policy challenges. Through its convening power and membership, RUSI brings together a diverse range of actors from the public and private sectors, as well as individual members, to contribute to the public benefit by addressing national and global concerns.

A minor amendment of the by-laws was approved at the AGM on 8 October 2025, removing Chapter 3, Clause 18: The Chair or Vice-Chair shall not be eligible for re-election to the same office for at least one (1) year after the end of their Term in Office.