About The Royal United Services Institute

RUSI was founded in 1831 at the initiative of the Duke of Wellington. Its original mission was to study naval and military science, what Clausewitz called the ‘art of war’.

It still does so: developments in military doctrine, defence management and defence procurement remain central elements in the Institute's work. But in recent years RUSI has broadened its remit to include all issues of defence and security, including terrorism and the ideologies which foster it and the challenges which we face from other man-made or man-assisted threats and from natural disasters.

RUSI is a unique institution; it is the oldest surviving united services institute in the world. It embodies nearly two centuries of forward thinking, free discussion and careful reflection on defence and security matters.

It can achieve this thanks to its long-standing base in London's Whitehall and also through regional offices in the Gulf and the United States.

RUSI is a British institution, but operates with an international perspective. It has amassed over the years an unequalled expertise in its field and an outstanding reputation for quality and objectivity. RUSI's heritage and reputation, its location close to the Ministry of Defence and other ministries in Whitehall and its range of contacts with key opinion formers both inside and outside government, gives unique insight and authority.
For more information, visit The Royal United Services Institute