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).
'As the US steps back, Europe must step forward: together with the US where possible, but on its own – or with other partners – when it is not.'
Read RUSI's Director-General Rachel Ellehuus's insights from the Munich Security Conference in today's RUSI Commentary.
Read RUSI's Director-General Rachel Ellehuus's insights from the Munich Security Conference in today's RUSI Commentary.
Barometer Check: Transatlantic Security and the Munich Security Conference
The Munich Security Conference showed that Europe can chart a path for a new transatlantic relationship through taking responsibility for its own defence, building democratic resilience and supporting Ukraine.
www.rusi.org
February 18, 2026 at 3:34 PM
'As the US steps back, Europe must step forward: together with the US where possible, but on its own – or with other partners – when it is not.'
Read RUSI's Director-General Rachel Ellehuus's insights from the Munich Security Conference in today's RUSI Commentary.
Read RUSI's Director-General Rachel Ellehuus's insights from the Munich Security Conference in today's RUSI Commentary.
🎙️In the latest Global Security Briefing episode, Dr Neil Melvin is joined by Dr Brian Fonseca and Dr Carlos Solar to discuss Cuba, Venezuela and the intensifying US-China competition in Latin America.
Listen: https://bit.ly/3OlpSZ3
Listen: https://bit.ly/3OlpSZ3
February 18, 2026 at 1:38 PM
🎙️In the latest Global Security Briefing episode, Dr Neil Melvin is joined by Dr Brian Fonseca and Dr Carlos Solar to discuss Cuba, Venezuela and the intensifying US-China competition in Latin America.
Listen: https://bit.ly/3OlpSZ3
Listen: https://bit.ly/3OlpSZ3
“national security vetting has largely been a car crash for the past decade.”
@mtsavill.bsky.social quoted in @politico.eu.
@mtsavill.bsky.social quoted in @politico.eu.
‘If Mandelson can pass, anyone can’: Epstein scandal prompts scrutiny of UK security vetting
Mandelson’s links to Jeffrey Epstein failed to bar him from high office. Now politicians want changes to the way top jobs are vetted.
www.politico.eu
February 18, 2026 at 11:01 AM
“national security vetting has largely been a car crash for the past decade.”
@mtsavill.bsky.social quoted in @politico.eu.
@mtsavill.bsky.social quoted in @politico.eu.
'Despite having partially recognised the threat, Western Europe has not yet adopted the wartime mindset to respond to it' writes Elias Forneris in the latest RUSI Commentary.
A Gathering Storm
In response to the threat of conflict with Russia, and as with the Great Wars of the 20th Century, Europe is finding a new resolve.
www.rusi.org
February 17, 2026 at 2:15 PM
'Despite having partially recognised the threat, Western Europe has not yet adopted the wartime mindset to respond to it' writes Elias Forneris in the latest RUSI Commentary.
Join us next week as a panel of our experts will discuss the prospects for peace, four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Panellists:
Dr Maryna Vorotnyuk
Dr Neil Melvin
@mtsavill.bsky.social
Chaired by Dr Jonathan Eyal.
Not a RUSI Member? Join today: https://bit.ly/3siJl1P
Panellists:
Dr Maryna Vorotnyuk
Dr Neil Melvin
@mtsavill.bsky.social
Chaired by Dr Jonathan Eyal.
Not a RUSI Member? Join today: https://bit.ly/3siJl1P
Ukraine: Prospects for Peace, Four Years After Russia’s Invasion
Join us for an expert panel discussion on the prospects for peace, four years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
bit.ly
February 17, 2026 at 11:11 AM
Join us next week as a panel of our experts will discuss the prospects for peace, four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Panellists:
Dr Maryna Vorotnyuk
Dr Neil Melvin
@mtsavill.bsky.social
Chaired by Dr Jonathan Eyal.
Not a RUSI Member? Join today: https://bit.ly/3siJl1P
Panellists:
Dr Maryna Vorotnyuk
Dr Neil Melvin
@mtsavill.bsky.social
Chaired by Dr Jonathan Eyal.
Not a RUSI Member? Join today: https://bit.ly/3siJl1P
'The US expects Europe to step up in terms of ramping up its conventional defence and taking a leading role.'
Rachel Ellehuus joined @bloomberg.com The Pulse With Francine Lacquato discuss the state of the transatlantic alliance in the aftermath of the Munich Security Conference.
Rachel Ellehuus joined @bloomberg.com The Pulse With Francine Lacquato discuss the state of the transatlantic alliance in the aftermath of the Munich Security Conference.
Memory Chip Shortage is Global Crisis in the Making | The Pulse 2/16/2026
A growing chorus of tech industry leaders, including Tim Cook and Elon Musk, are warning of an impending global crisis if the shortage of memory chips is not addressed. The buildout of AI data centers has resulted in companies like Alphabet and OpenAI g...
www.youtube.com
February 16, 2026 at 4:03 PM
'The US expects Europe to step up in terms of ramping up its conventional defence and taking a leading role.'
Rachel Ellehuus joined @bloomberg.com The Pulse With Francine Lacquato discuss the state of the transatlantic alliance in the aftermath of the Munich Security Conference.
Rachel Ellehuus joined @bloomberg.com The Pulse With Francine Lacquato discuss the state of the transatlantic alliance in the aftermath of the Munich Security Conference.
Last week, we convened experts from government, academia and industry to discuss our new paper calling for a more ambitious UK cyber strategy, one that rebalances responsibility and tackles persistent market failures.
Watch the recording
https://bit.ly/4rIiKEo
Read the paper
https://bit.ly/3O7o85D
Watch the recording
https://bit.ly/4rIiKEo
Read the paper
https://bit.ly/3O7o85D
February 16, 2026 at 2:28 PM
Last week, we convened experts from government, academia and industry to discuss our new paper calling for a more ambitious UK cyber strategy, one that rebalances responsibility and tackles persistent market failures.
Watch the recording
https://bit.ly/4rIiKEo
Read the paper
https://bit.ly/3O7o85D
Watch the recording
https://bit.ly/4rIiKEo
Read the paper
https://bit.ly/3O7o85D
'By treating the EU not as a partner but as a delinquent debtor, the US has inadvertently supplied the one ingredient the European project always lacked: necessity.' writes William Dixon, RUSI Senior Associate Fellow, in the latest RUSI Commentary.
Making Europe ‘Great' Again: US Hostility and the New World Order
Europe is being recast, sharper and stronger, reflecting the world order at work in the forge.
www.rusi.org
February 16, 2026 at 12:08 PM
'By treating the EU not as a partner but as a delinquent debtor, the US has inadvertently supplied the one ingredient the European project always lacked: necessity.' writes William Dixon, RUSI Senior Associate Fellow, in the latest RUSI Commentary.
'What distinguishes recruitment in gaming from foreign legions or private military companies (PMCs) is its affordance of minimal state-level diplomatic fingerprints and greater plausible deniability.' write Galen Lamphere-Englund and Petra Regeni in the latest RUSI Commentary.
How Russia Turns Gamers into Fighters
The Kremlin’s weaponization of video games for recruitment and influence is no longer a theoretical risk. To protect the digital commons, the West must treat gaming as a core frontier of contemporary ...
www.rusi.org
February 13, 2026 at 4:50 PM
'What distinguishes recruitment in gaming from foreign legions or private military companies (PMCs) is its affordance of minimal state-level diplomatic fingerprints and greater plausible deniability.' write Galen Lamphere-Englund and Petra Regeni in the latest RUSI Commentary.
Tune in to the latest BBC Radio 4's Briefing Room where RUSI's @burcuozcelik.bsky.social among other guests join
@davidsonofaaron.bsky.social to discuss the stability of the Iranian regime in the aftermath of the protests in January.
@davidsonofaaron.bsky.social to discuss the stability of the Iranian regime in the aftermath of the protests in January.
The Briefing Room - Iran - how vulnerable is the regime? - BBC Sounds
What will happen next in Iran?
www.bbc.co.uk
February 13, 2026 at 10:35 AM
Tune in to the latest BBC Radio 4's Briefing Room where RUSI's @burcuozcelik.bsky.social among other guests join
@davidsonofaaron.bsky.social to discuss the stability of the Iranian regime in the aftermath of the protests in January.
@davidsonofaaron.bsky.social to discuss the stability of the Iranian regime in the aftermath of the protests in January.
'wishful thinking and waiting it out are not a strategy' warn
RUSI Director-General Rachel Ellehuus and @annwieanna.bsky.social Director, Northern Europe at @atlanticcouncil.bsky.social in their @euractiv.com op-ed as leaders gather at @munsecconf.bsky.social.
RUSI Director-General Rachel Ellehuus and @annwieanna.bsky.social Director, Northern Europe at @atlanticcouncil.bsky.social in their @euractiv.com op-ed as leaders gather at @munsecconf.bsky.social.
The US wants a Europe-led NATO. Europeans should start planning it | Euractiv
The tendency to “muddle through” the Trump years until a new administration restores American engagement in the alliance, does not encourage bold initiatives. Wishful thinking and waiting it out are n...
www.euractiv.com
February 13, 2026 at 9:12 AM
'wishful thinking and waiting it out are not a strategy' warn
RUSI Director-General Rachel Ellehuus and @annwieanna.bsky.social Director, Northern Europe at @atlanticcouncil.bsky.social in their @euractiv.com op-ed as leaders gather at @munsecconf.bsky.social.
RUSI Director-General Rachel Ellehuus and @annwieanna.bsky.social Director, Northern Europe at @atlanticcouncil.bsky.social in their @euractiv.com op-ed as leaders gather at @munsecconf.bsky.social.
‘the most significant modernisation in nearly 200 years’. - Shabana Mahmood MP.
Read the latest RUSI Commentary from Elijah Glantz and Dr Pia Hüsch on the recent flurry of police reforms announced by the UK government, including the newly established National Centre for AI in Policing.
Read the latest RUSI Commentary from Elijah Glantz and Dr Pia Hüsch on the recent flurry of police reforms announced by the UK government, including the newly established National Centre for AI in Policing.
Police.AI - New Tech Tools for UK Law Enforcement
With the National Centre for AI in Policing – dubbed Police.AI – UK policing is stepping up its pursuit of cutting-edge tools, but cost-effective, impactful delivery requires more than a new name.
www.rusi.org
February 12, 2026 at 3:19 PM
‘the most significant modernisation in nearly 200 years’. - Shabana Mahmood MP.
Read the latest RUSI Commentary from Elijah Glantz and Dr Pia Hüsch on the recent flurry of police reforms announced by the UK government, including the newly established National Centre for AI in Policing.
Read the latest RUSI Commentary from Elijah Glantz and Dr Pia Hüsch on the recent flurry of police reforms announced by the UK government, including the newly established National Centre for AI in Policing.
Explore the latest issue of the RUSI Journal, newly redesigned with a fresh look and feel. This edition reflects on shifting defence and security narratives and features articles on education and training for the future.
Read the latest issue: https://bit.ly/4rdnYYZ
Read the latest issue: https://bit.ly/4rdnYYZ
February 12, 2026 at 11:58 AM
Explore the latest issue of the RUSI Journal, newly redesigned with a fresh look and feel. This edition reflects on shifting defence and security narratives and features articles on education and training for the future.
Read the latest issue: https://bit.ly/4rdnYYZ
Read the latest issue: https://bit.ly/4rdnYYZ
Putin must walk a fine line between doing the minimum required to support its nominal ally in the region, while ensuring that Russia retains its relevance in the Middle East. Read the latest RUSI Commentary from Emily Ferris.
Why So Quiet, Putin? Russia's Role in the Iran-Israel Tensions
Putin must walk a fine line between doing the minimum required to support its nominal ally in the region, while ensuring that Russia retains its relevance in the Middle East.
www.rusi.org
February 11, 2026 at 7:47 PM
Putin must walk a fine line between doing the minimum required to support its nominal ally in the region, while ensuring that Russia retains its relevance in the Middle East. Read the latest RUSI Commentary from Emily Ferris.
'The recent personnel upheavals in China’s military are likely to undermine the PLA’s professional competence, decision-making and combat readiness' writes @sariarhohavren.bsky.social in the latest RUSI Commentary.
Cheka with Chinese Characteristics: Purges Inside China's Red Army
Recent purges within the Central Military Commission in China echo the Chekist approach to ideological purity and absolute loyalty to the Party and, at its core, Xi Jinping.
www.rusi.org
February 11, 2026 at 5:51 PM
'The recent personnel upheavals in China’s military are likely to undermine the PLA’s professional competence, decision-making and combat readiness' writes @sariarhohavren.bsky.social in the latest RUSI Commentary.
How could AI reshape terrorist financing?
In a new Project CRAAFT briefing, Jason Blazakis explores how LLMs may act as “force multipliers” for fundraising, fraud and deception and tests how major AI firms respond in practice.
In a new Project CRAAFT briefing, Jason Blazakis explores how LLMs may act as “force multipliers” for fundraising, fraud and deception and tests how major AI firms respond in practice.
Terrorist Financing in the Age of Large Language Models
This research briefing examines how advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs) could be exploited to support terrorist financing activity.
www.rusi.org
February 11, 2026 at 1:25 PM
How could AI reshape terrorist financing?
In a new Project CRAAFT briefing, Jason Blazakis explores how LLMs may act as “force multipliers” for fundraising, fraud and deception and tests how major AI firms respond in practice.
In a new Project CRAAFT briefing, Jason Blazakis explores how LLMs may act as “force multipliers” for fundraising, fraud and deception and tests how major AI firms respond in practice.
#HIRING
Join RUSI as a Course Assistant and play a key role in delivering executive education on international security and global affairs.
Apply by 11 March 2026: https://bit.ly/4r4Q5JO
Join RUSI as a Course Assistant and play a key role in delivering executive education on international security and global affairs.
Apply by 11 March 2026: https://bit.ly/4r4Q5JO
February 11, 2026 at 12:10 PM
#HIRING
Join RUSI as a Course Assistant and play a key role in delivering executive education on international security and global affairs.
Apply by 11 March 2026: https://bit.ly/4r4Q5JO
Join RUSI as a Course Assistant and play a key role in delivering executive education on international security and global affairs.
Apply by 11 March 2026: https://bit.ly/4r4Q5JO
🎙️Tune in to the latest Talking Strategy episode where Paul O’Neill CBE and Professor Beatrice Heuser are joined by Secretary General Petteri Korvala to discuss how Finland's comprehensive security system works.
Listen to the episode: https://bit.ly/4aGhnAu
Listen to the episode: https://bit.ly/4aGhnAu
February 10, 2026 at 6:13 PM
🎙️Tune in to the latest Talking Strategy episode where Paul O’Neill CBE and Professor Beatrice Heuser are joined by Secretary General Petteri Korvala to discuss how Finland's comprehensive security system works.
Listen to the episode: https://bit.ly/4aGhnAu
Listen to the episode: https://bit.ly/4aGhnAu
'Continuous cyber campaigning appears daunting, but it is less daunting than losing national economic power through IP theft, losing military overmatch and losing faith in political institutions' write @monicakello.bsky.social and Richard Harknett in the latest RUSI Commentary.
Towards a British Approach to Cyber Campaigning
The UK needs and enduring and dynamic approach to cybersecurity, one that embraces continuous offensive operations to achieve an advantage over its adversaries.
www.rusi.org
February 10, 2026 at 4:47 PM
'Continuous cyber campaigning appears daunting, but it is less daunting than losing national economic power through IP theft, losing military overmatch and losing faith in political institutions' write @monicakello.bsky.social and Richard Harknett in the latest RUSI Commentary.
'I think [Prime Minister Takaichi] she is quite determined about Japan's security and defence, but she has no aggressive intentions regarding China and Taiwan.'
@shelter-jones.bsky.social interviewed on @deutschewelle.dw.com.
@shelter-jones.bsky.social interviewed on @deutschewelle.dw.com.
Takaichi's defense spending plans rattle China | DW News
YouTube video by DW News
youtu.be
February 10, 2026 at 3:07 PM
'I think [Prime Minister Takaichi] she is quite determined about Japan's security and defence, but she has no aggressive intentions regarding China and Taiwan.'
@shelter-jones.bsky.social interviewed on @deutschewelle.dw.com.
@shelter-jones.bsky.social interviewed on @deutschewelle.dw.com.
Chile is facing a shift from ‘simple’ crime to complex transnational networks.
Our new research from Dr Pilar Lizana, Dr Carlos Solar, and Dr Maria Nizzero (@marianizzero.bsky.social) shows its system for recovering criminal assets is key to weakening organised crime.
Our new research from Dr Pilar Lizana, Dr Carlos Solar, and Dr Maria Nizzero (@marianizzero.bsky.social) shows its system for recovering criminal assets is key to weakening organised crime.
Fighting Organised Crime: Recovering Illicit Assets in Chile
To prosecute money laundering, the Chilean government must strengthen asset recovery governance and information-sharing, and update its existing framework.
www.rusi.org
February 10, 2026 at 10:52 AM
Chile is facing a shift from ‘simple’ crime to complex transnational networks.
Our new research from Dr Pilar Lizana, Dr Carlos Solar, and Dr Maria Nizzero (@marianizzero.bsky.social) shows its system for recovering criminal assets is key to weakening organised crime.
Our new research from Dr Pilar Lizana, Dr Carlos Solar, and Dr Maria Nizzero (@marianizzero.bsky.social) shows its system for recovering criminal assets is key to weakening organised crime.
Four years after Russia's full-scale invasion, what are Ukraine's prospects for peace?
Join Maryna Vorotnyuk, Neil Melvin, @mtsavill.bsky.social and Jonathan Eyal on 24 February for an insightful discussion as we mark the anniversary.
Not a Member? Join today: https://my.rusi.org/membership.html
Join Maryna Vorotnyuk, Neil Melvin, @mtsavill.bsky.social and Jonathan Eyal on 24 February for an insightful discussion as we mark the anniversary.
Not a Member? Join today: https://my.rusi.org/membership.html
Ukraine: Prospects for Peace, Four Years After Russia’s Invasion
Join an expert panel as they reflect on the prospects for peace, four years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
my.rusi.org
February 9, 2026 at 3:55 PM
Four years after Russia's full-scale invasion, what are Ukraine's prospects for peace?
Join Maryna Vorotnyuk, Neil Melvin, @mtsavill.bsky.social and Jonathan Eyal on 24 February for an insightful discussion as we mark the anniversary.
Not a Member? Join today: https://my.rusi.org/membership.html
Join Maryna Vorotnyuk, Neil Melvin, @mtsavill.bsky.social and Jonathan Eyal on 24 February for an insightful discussion as we mark the anniversary.
Not a Member? Join today: https://my.rusi.org/membership.html
'The question is not whether the British public will rise to the occasion, it is whether they will be properly equipped to do so effectively, ahead of time.' write Ed Arnold and Major Laurence Thomson in the latest RUSI Commentary.
The UK Whole of Society Defence and the Reality of Modern War
The national conversation must address society's preparations to defend itself, reimagining the citizen solider of the 21st century, and every sector's role in this effort.
www.rusi.org
February 9, 2026 at 1:24 PM
'The question is not whether the British public will rise to the occasion, it is whether they will be properly equipped to do so effectively, ahead of time.' write Ed Arnold and Major Laurence Thomson in the latest RUSI Commentary.
'Britain’s DTW must evolve to integrate with key partners and allies, especially as in the context of NATO’s attempts to integrate national capabilities.' write Robert Tollast, Major Laurence Thomson and Noah Sylvia in the latest RUSI Defence Systems.
Digital Targeting Web: Bridging the Gap between Aspiration and Battlefield Reality
As Britain's Digital Targeting Web moves from concept to reality, learning lessons from past and current conflicts will be crucial to the success of the Army's digitalised Land Targeting Enterprise.
www.rusi.org
February 9, 2026 at 10:40 AM
'Britain’s DTW must evolve to integrate with key partners and allies, especially as in the context of NATO’s attempts to integrate national capabilities.' write Robert Tollast, Major Laurence Thomson and Noah Sylvia in the latest RUSI Defence Systems.
🎙️In the latest STR episode @keatingetom.bsky.social is joined by Eliza Lockhart and James Gillespie to reflect on where the real threats from crypto to electoral integrity lie, and what to do about them.
Listen to the episode: https://bit.ly/4kpdmnl
Listen to the episode: https://bit.ly/4kpdmnl
February 6, 2026 at 4:12 PM
🎙️In the latest STR episode @keatingetom.bsky.social is joined by Eliza Lockhart and James Gillespie to reflect on where the real threats from crypto to electoral integrity lie, and what to do about them.
Listen to the episode: https://bit.ly/4kpdmnl
Listen to the episode: https://bit.ly/4kpdmnl