Overview
Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) is a UK-based independent defence and security think tank established in 1831 by the Duke of Wellington. It is recognised as the world’s oldest organisation of its kind. Its core purpose is to inform and influence public debate to support a safer and more stable world.
Mission and focus areas
RUSI conducts research and analysis on defence, international security and geopolitical issues, including terrorism, cyber security, nuclear proliferation and financial crime. Its mission centres on producing evidence-based insights and convening debate to improve policy and decision-making across government and industry.
The institute contributes to areas relevant to ESG and sustainable finance through its work on financial crime, sanctions, corruption and illicit finance, helping professionals understand risks linked to governance, transparency and global stability.
Structure and governance
RUSI operates as an independent, membership-supported organisation with funding from research contracts, publications and corporate members. Governance is overseen by a council comprising trustees, vice-presidents and senior figures from policy, defence and academia, alongside a director-general responsible for executive leadership.
It maintains a global outlook, with international offices and partnerships that extend its research and policy engagement beyond the UK.
Programs and offerings
RUSI produces a wide range of outputs, including research papers, policy reports, commentary and its long-standing peer-reviewed publication, the RUSI Journal. It also hosts conferences, lectures and expert discussions that bring together policymakers, academics and practitioners.
Additional offerings include podcasts, event recordings and specialised research programmes, providing insights into emerging security risks and policy responses. These resources support finance and sustainability professionals in understanding geopolitical, regulatory and financial crime risks that can affect investment environments and long-term value creation.
Our Mission Statement:
As an independent institution, we produce evidence-based research, publications and events on defence, security and international affairs to help build a safer UK and a more secure, equitable and stable world.
