RUSI
@rusi.bsky.social
Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies. Founded in 1831, RUSI is the oldest defence and security think tank in the world.
Website 💻: https://rusi.org/
WhatsApp 📱: https://bit.ly/4h0M5FQ
Website 💻: https://rusi.org/
WhatsApp 📱: https://bit.ly/4h0M5FQ
Pinned
RUSI
@rusi.bsky.social
· Nov 26
For the latest analysis on defence, security and international affairs, here is a list of RUSI staff members to follow on BlueSky (will be updated regularly as user base expands).
'The government now has a perverse incentive to kill, not capture – a strategic weakness which was on full display when the US released the first two survivors of the strikes to their countries of origin' write Gil Guerra and Emma Isabella Sage in the latest RUSI Commentary.
Trump’s Strategy Against Venezuelan Gangs is Self-Defeating
By recasting Venezuelan gangs as combatants in an armed conflict, the Trump administration is testing the limits of U.S. law and policy — and in this case, the ends may not justify the means.
www.rusi.org
November 10, 2025 at 5:46 PM
'The government now has a perverse incentive to kill, not capture – a strategic weakness which was on full display when the US released the first two survivors of the strikes to their countries of origin' write Gil Guerra and Emma Isabella Sage in the latest RUSI Commentary.
'[Lord Leggatt’s] concern that individual sanctions appear stuck in time echoes the Foreign Office’s wish for a clearer ‘theory of change’ linking sanctions to real-world policy shifts.' writes Andrea Marchesetti in the latest RUSI Commentary.
Testing the Limits: Expanding the Reach of UK Sanctions
A double-win before the UK Supreme Court should embolden the Foreign Office, if they can take the public with them
www.rusi.org
November 7, 2025 at 12:06 PM
'[Lord Leggatt’s] concern that individual sanctions appear stuck in time echoes the Foreign Office’s wish for a clearer ‘theory of change’ linking sanctions to real-world policy shifts.' writes Andrea Marchesetti in the latest RUSI Commentary.
'Unless Ankara can visibly decouple its humanitarian and political engagements, any Turkish presence in Gaza risks being cast as partisan' writes Dr Burcu Ozcelik in the latest RUSI Commentary.
Turkey's Call to Act and Israel's Red Line: Ankara's Role in Gaza
Ankara's engagement in Gaza may create conditions conducive to de-escalation and a gradual recalibration of Turkish-Israeli relations.
www.rusi.org
November 6, 2025 at 3:52 PM
'Unless Ankara can visibly decouple its humanitarian and political engagements, any Turkish presence in Gaza risks being cast as partisan' writes Dr Burcu Ozcelik in the latest RUSI Commentary.
🚨🧵New RUSI report, ‘The Impact of Evolving Threat Perceptions on the Transatlantic Alliance’ by Erik Brattberg is out now!
The Impact of Evolving Threat Perceptions on the Transatlantic Alliance
The US and Europe are diverging in their perceptions of, and approaches to, national security threats. What could this mean for the transatlantic alliance?
www.rusi.org
November 6, 2025 at 10:52 AM
🚨🧵New RUSI report, ‘The Impact of Evolving Threat Perceptions on the Transatlantic Alliance’ by Erik Brattberg is out now!
As Russia cements its broader foreign policy plans for a Greater Eurasia, the role of Belarus and North Korea will be instrumental in turning theory into supply-chain practice, writes Emily Ferris in the latest RUSI Commentary.
Deconstructing Russia's Plans for Greater Eurasia: where theory meets supply chains
As Russia cements its broader foreign policy plans for a Greater Eurasia, the role of Belarus and North Korea will be instrumental in turning theory into supply-chain practice.
www.rusi.org
November 5, 2025 at 5:38 PM
As Russia cements its broader foreign policy plans for a Greater Eurasia, the role of Belarus and North Korea will be instrumental in turning theory into supply-chain practice, writes Emily Ferris in the latest RUSI Commentary.
Our new report by Noah Sylvia investigates how allied nations can overcome the challenge of varied enterprise hosting models to achieve robust collective defence and guarantee uninterrupted continuity of digital operations throughout a major crisis or conflict.
Cloud Interoperability Between Allies During Crisis
Allied hosting models often test sovereignty, resilience and interoperability; a recent exercise explored balancing these to enable future collective defence.
www.rusi.org
November 5, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Our new report by Noah Sylvia investigates how allied nations can overcome the challenge of varied enterprise hosting models to achieve robust collective defence and guarantee uninterrupted continuity of digital operations throughout a major crisis or conflict.
RUSI was honoured to host His Majesty The King to celebrate the 50 years of service His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent has given the Institute as President. Find out more about the evening and our royal heritage here: bit.ly/4qQtvoL
November 5, 2025 at 12:11 PM
RUSI was honoured to host His Majesty The King to celebrate the 50 years of service His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent has given the Institute as President. Find out more about the evening and our royal heritage here: bit.ly/4qQtvoL
'By securitising its engagement with Central Asia, emphasising surveillance, repression and counterterrorism, China is reinforcing the very narratives that radical groups use to recruit and radicalise' write Bradley Jardine and Dr Edward Lemon.
Terrorist Organisations and Conservative Islamic Influencers are Capitalising on Sinophobia in Central Asia
China's repression of its Muslim citizens acts as a lightening rod for criticism of the country and its influence campaign in Central Asia.
www.rusi.org
November 4, 2025 at 5:12 PM
'By securitising its engagement with Central Asia, emphasising surveillance, repression and counterterrorism, China is reinforcing the very narratives that radical groups use to recruit and radicalise' write Bradley Jardine and Dr Edward Lemon.
🎙️From Carter to Reagan: Brzezinski's hawkish foreign policy stance transcended party lines, shaping US strategy against the Soviet Union. Listen to the latest Talking Strategy episode as we discuss a complex legacy with far-reaching consequences.
🎧: https://bit.ly/47C8h51
🎧: https://bit.ly/47C8h51
November 4, 2025 at 4:09 PM
🎙️From Carter to Reagan: Brzezinski's hawkish foreign policy stance transcended party lines, shaping US strategy against the Soviet Union. Listen to the latest Talking Strategy episode as we discuss a complex legacy with far-reaching consequences.
🎧: https://bit.ly/47C8h51
🎧: https://bit.ly/47C8h51
📅From cyber-attacks to supply chain concerns, the UK faces a spectrum of economic security challenges. Join us for the launch of a new report from the Business and Trade Committee, with Liam Byrne MP, addressing these threats and proposing essential reforms.
Toward A New Doctrine For Economic Security
Liam Byrne MP, Chair of the Business and Trade Committee, will launch the Committee's new report calling for the UK to rethink its approach to economic security.
my.rusi.org
November 3, 2025 at 4:51 PM
📅From cyber-attacks to supply chain concerns, the UK faces a spectrum of economic security challenges. Join us for the launch of a new report from the Business and Trade Committee, with Liam Byrne MP, addressing these threats and proposing essential reforms.
The US plan to withdraw some troops from NATO’s eastern flank, including Romania, is neither a surprise nor catastrophic. But it signals a shift in America’s posture at the wrong time and in the wrong place, writes Oana Lungescu.
US Troop Cuts On NATO's Eastern Flank
The US plan to withdraw some troops from NATO's eastern flank, including Romania, is neither a surprise nor catastrophic. But it signals a shift in America's posture at the wrong time and in the wrong place.
www.rusi.org
November 3, 2025 at 3:45 PM
The US plan to withdraw some troops from NATO’s eastern flank, including Romania, is neither a surprise nor catastrophic. But it signals a shift in America’s posture at the wrong time and in the wrong place, writes Oana Lungescu.
🎙️In the latest Suspicious Transaction Report podcast episode, Tom Keatinge sits down with Daniel Thelesklaf to discuss his journey in fighting financial crime. From FIU leadership to UN roles, Daniel shares invaluable insights from his extensive career.
Episode 5: On the Frontline of Financial Intelligence with Daniel Thelesklaf
With three FIU (financial intelligence unit) leadership positions under his belt, and much more besides, Daniel Thelesklaf shares his varied and valued experience in tackling financial crime.
www.rusi.org
October 31, 2025 at 3:54 PM
🎙️In the latest Suspicious Transaction Report podcast episode, Tom Keatinge sits down with Daniel Thelesklaf to discuss his journey in fighting financial crime. From FIU leadership to UN roles, Daniel shares invaluable insights from his extensive career.
In the latest RUSI Commentary, Cathy Haenlein provides an analysis Nick Timothy's review of the Home Office's effectiveness and the resulting political and operational challenges, particularly concerning immigration and border control in the UK.
The Politics of Immigration is Broken and Fixing the UK Home Office Will Not Help
The long-delayed release of Nick Timothy's 2023 review of Home Office effectiveness points to ongoing institutional dysfunctions. The creation of an independent cross-party commission could restore delivery discipline and reduce incentives to use immigr...
www.rusi.org
October 31, 2025 at 2:57 PM
In the latest RUSI Commentary, Cathy Haenlein provides an analysis Nick Timothy's review of the Home Office's effectiveness and the resulting political and operational challenges, particularly concerning immigration and border control in the UK.
We hosted our fourth annual trilateral security dialogue with NUPI and CSIS, focusing on the changing security landscape in the North Atlantic. Experts discussed strategies to counter Russian submarine activity and secure transatlantic reinforcement: https://bit.ly/433CHf7
October 30, 2025 at 4:08 PM
We hosted our fourth annual trilateral security dialogue with NUPI and CSIS, focusing on the changing security landscape in the North Atlantic. Experts discussed strategies to counter Russian submarine activity and secure transatlantic reinforcement: https://bit.ly/433CHf7
Official data show that violent crime has fallen, even as visible low-level offences and social media-fuelled perceptions of disorder continue to shape a growing sense of lawlessness and insecurity, writes Alastair Greig.
Lawless Britain? Perceptions vs Reality
Official data show that violent crime has fallen, even as visible low-level offences and social media-fuelled perceptions of disorder continue to shape a growing sense of lawlessness and insecurity.
www.rusi.org
October 30, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Official data show that violent crime has fallen, even as visible low-level offences and social media-fuelled perceptions of disorder continue to shape a growing sense of lawlessness and insecurity, writes Alastair Greig.
🚨🧵Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has fundamentally transformed global energy flows and had enduring consequences for UK energy security.
October 30, 2025 at 1:18 PM
🚨🧵Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has fundamentally transformed global energy flows and had enduring consequences for UK energy security.
'Who on the Palestinian side can turn the diplomatic fiction of a ‘State of Palestine’ into the reality of a peaceful and secure neighbour of Israel?' Writes Joschka Fischer in the latest member exclusive RUSI Newsbrief.
Can Trump Achieve Eternal Peace in Gaza?
The United States is the only power that can succeed as a peacemaker in the Middle East; but that doesn't mean the task will be easy. The question now is whether US President Donald Trump has the patience and stamina that brokering a lasting political r...
www.rusi.org
October 29, 2025 at 5:51 PM
'Who on the Palestinian side can turn the diplomatic fiction of a ‘State of Palestine’ into the reality of a peaceful and secure neighbour of Israel?' Writes Joschka Fischer in the latest member exclusive RUSI Newsbrief.
🎙️In the latest #GlobalSecurityBriefing episode, Dr Neil Melvin and Dr Carlos Solar explore how the Trump Administration is reshaping US engagement with Latin America. How are Latin American governments responding to a tougher, more transactional Washington?
🎧Listen now: https://bit.ly/4ohC22e
🎧Listen now: https://bit.ly/4ohC22e
October 29, 2025 at 3:50 PM
🎙️In the latest #GlobalSecurityBriefing episode, Dr Neil Melvin and Dr Carlos Solar explore how the Trump Administration is reshaping US engagement with Latin America. How are Latin American governments responding to a tougher, more transactional Washington?
🎧Listen now: https://bit.ly/4ohC22e
🎧Listen now: https://bit.ly/4ohC22e
#HIRING
Join RUSI in shaping the conversation at the intersection of climate, energy, and defence. We’re recruiting a Research Fellow (part-time, Brussels) to lead impactful research and events across Europe.
Apply by 14 November: https://bit.ly/4o8DlQZ
Join RUSI in shaping the conversation at the intersection of climate, energy, and defence. We’re recruiting a Research Fellow (part-time, Brussels) to lead impactful research and events across Europe.
Apply by 14 November: https://bit.ly/4o8DlQZ
October 29, 2025 at 12:52 PM
#HIRING
Join RUSI in shaping the conversation at the intersection of climate, energy, and defence. We’re recruiting a Research Fellow (part-time, Brussels) to lead impactful research and events across Europe.
Apply by 14 November: https://bit.ly/4o8DlQZ
Join RUSI in shaping the conversation at the intersection of climate, energy, and defence. We’re recruiting a Research Fellow (part-time, Brussels) to lead impactful research and events across Europe.
Apply by 14 November: https://bit.ly/4o8DlQZ
'At times, there has been a tendency to celebrate the very involvement of the FATF with IWT – with limited effort to engage with the outcomes of this activity in practice' write Cathy Haenlein and @keatingetom.bsky.social in the latest RUSI Commentary.
Disrupting Illegal Wildlife Trade: Have We Followed the Money?
Five years ago, the Financial Action Task Force issued a call-to-arms for greater focus on the financial dimension of illegal wildlife trade. What results have been achieved?
www.rusi.org
October 29, 2025 at 10:40 AM
'At times, there has been a tendency to celebrate the very involvement of the FATF with IWT – with limited effort to engage with the outcomes of this activity in practice' write Cathy Haenlein and @keatingetom.bsky.social in the latest RUSI Commentary.
Exciting opportunity for RUSI members! Join our library volunteer days and immerse yourself in military history. Classify books, catalogue rare items, and transcribe archives. No experience needed—just enthusiasm! Learn more below.
RUSI Library Volunteer Days
A chance for RUSI Members to visit our library at 61 Whitehall and help us organise our impressive collection.
my.rusi.org
October 28, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Exciting opportunity for RUSI members! Join our library volunteer days and immerse yourself in military history. Classify books, catalogue rare items, and transcribe archives. No experience needed—just enthusiasm! Learn more below.
'The Australian experience demonstrates that security resolve and economic engagement are not mutually exclusive, in fact, they can be mutually reinforcing' writes Eliza Lockhart in the latest RUSI Commentary.
What the Chinese Spy Scandal Reveals about UK Resolve
A UK trial of alleged Chinese spies has collapsed, averting a diplomatic flare-up with China but exposing the UK's unresolved struggle to balance security with economic interdependence.
www.rusi.org
October 28, 2025 at 2:59 PM
'The Australian experience demonstrates that security resolve and economic engagement are not mutually exclusive, in fact, they can be mutually reinforcing' writes Eliza Lockhart in the latest RUSI Commentary.
🚨New RUSI report, “RUSI Cyber Sanctions Taskforce: Countering State-Backed Cyber Threats” by Gonzalo Saiz is out now.
RUSI Cyber Sanctions Taskforce: Countering State-Backed Cyber Threats
This paper reports on the first meeting of the RUSI Cyber Sanctions Taskforce, focusing on the role of sanctions in countering cyber state threats, and highlighting their potential to disrupt maliciou...
www.rusi.org
October 28, 2025 at 9:53 AM
🚨New RUSI report, “RUSI Cyber Sanctions Taskforce: Countering State-Backed Cyber Threats” by Gonzalo Saiz is out now.
📅War rages in Europe, Sudan faces humanitarian crisis, and the Middle East teeters on uncertainty. Join the directors of the leading UK defence and foreign policy think tanks on 19 November as they dissect these critical foreign policy challenges and the UK's response.
Think Tank Leaders Explore UK Foreign Policy Challenges
The directors of the leading UK defence and foreign policy think tanks will discuss the fundamental foreign policy challenges facing HM Government.
my.rusi.org
October 27, 2025 at 4:06 PM
📅War rages in Europe, Sudan faces humanitarian crisis, and the Middle East teeters on uncertainty. Join the directors of the leading UK defence and foreign policy think tanks on 19 November as they dissect these critical foreign policy challenges and the UK's response.
'Ireland will need help policing its extensive marine territory, and there are some encouraging signs that Dublin is building the partnerships to deter future hostile state activity in Irish waters.' Writes Dr Edward Burke in the latest RUSI Commentary.
A New President, Neutrality and an EU Presidency: Ireland's Defence Dilemma
The election of Catherine Connolly as Ireland's President will raise concerns in Europe about a shift in Ireland towards isolationism that stands at odds with the EU's commitment to rapidly increase collective defence spending and defence cooperation.
www.rusi.org
October 27, 2025 at 2:45 PM
'Ireland will need help policing its extensive marine territory, and there are some encouraging signs that Dublin is building the partnerships to deter future hostile state activity in Irish waters.' Writes Dr Edward Burke in the latest RUSI Commentary.