Royal United Services Institute facts for kids
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| Abbreviation | RUSI |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1831 |
| Founder | |
| Type |
International security and defence think tank
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| Legal status | Nonprofit organization |
| Headquarters | Whitehall, Westminster, London, United Kingdom |
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President
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The Duke of Kent |
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Chairman
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Sir David Lidington |
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Director-General
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Rachel Ellehuus |
The Royal United Services Institute (often called RUSI) is the oldest group in the world that studies defence and security. It was started in 1831 by the Duke of Wellington. RUSI is located in Whitehall, London, in the United Kingdom. It is a "think tank," which means it does research and gives advice on important topics.
RUSI's full name is the Royal United Service Institute for Defence and Security Studies. Before that, it was known as the Royal United Services Institute for Defence Studies. As of August 2025, Sir David Lidington is the chairman of RUSI. Rachel Ellehuus is its Director-General.
Contents
RUSI's History
RUSI was created in 1831. This makes it the oldest defence and security think tank anywhere. The idea came from the Duke of Wellington. He wanted a place to study naval (navy) and military (army) science.
The Duke of Wellington wrote a letter suggesting a "United Service Museum." He thought it should be run by naval and military officers. The King, George IV, and military leaders would support it. This museum would show that military people also cared about science and learning.
Captain Boughey Burgess was the first person to manage the museum. He also became the secretary later on. Another officer, Commander Henry Downes, helped form a committee. King George IV approved their plans for a scientific group, not just a social club.
When the King passed away, the plan was delayed. But the Duke of Clarence (who became King William IV) agreed to support it. With the Duke of Wellington's strong help, the project moved forward. King William IV gave his official support.
On June 25, 1831, the committee met. Major General Sir Howard Douglas led the meeting. He was a soldier who knew a lot about naval guns. This showed the "United Service" idea, bringing army and navy together.
The group decided to create the institution. Its first name was the Naval and Military Museum. In 1839, it changed to the United Service Institution. Then, in 1860, it became the Royal United Service Institution by a special royal document. In 2004, the name changed again to the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies. People who are members of RUSI can use "FRUSI" after their names.
RUSI's Buildings
RUSI started in Whitehall Court. In 1832, it moved to a house in Middle Scotland Yard. Later, Queen Victoria allowed RUSI to use the Banqueting House in Whitehall. Finally, in 1895, RUSI moved to its current building. This building is right next to the Banqueting House.
In March 2022, RUSI announced plans to improve its building at 61 Whitehall. They secured £10 million for this project. They planned to return to the improved building in 2023. As of March 2022, RUSI had 111 employees in the UK.
What RUSI Does
RUSI is a British organization, but it works with an international view. It encourages the study of new ideas in military methods. It also looks at how defence is managed and how military equipment is bought. In recent times, RUSI has started to study many other security issues.
These issues include financial crime, organized crime, and terrorism. They also look at the ideas that lead to terrorism. RUSI also studies challenges from human-made threats and natural disasters.
RUSI has members who are military officers and diplomats. It also includes people from the wider policy community. There are 1,668 individual members and 129 corporate members.
Some groups have commented on RUSI's work. For example, Declassified UK said RUSI often supports the UK government's views. OpenDemocracy noted that news groups like the BBC present RUSI as neutral. However, OpenDemocracy said RUSI has "close links" with the British government and military. Still, they also said RUSI's experts are "highly informed and often insightful."
RUSI members and others interested in defence and security can take part in these activities:
Research and Studies
RUSI does a lot of research on many different topics. Its website says it focuses on military science and international security. It also studies terrorism, cyber security, and nuclear weapons. Other areas include financial crime and organized crime. In April 2020, RUSI suggested that UK intelligence agencies should use more artificial intelligence. This would help them keep up with groups trying to harm Britain.
Expert Analysis
RUSI experts often share their thoughts on important defence and security issues. They provide comments and analysis to the public. The RUSI.org website also has up-to-date analysis. This content comes from their publications and briefings by their researchers.
Publications and Books
RUSI publishes several magazines and books. RUSI says that the RUSI Journal is a top magazine on defence and security. It was first published in 1857.
Awards and Recognition
RUSI has been widely recognized for its work in defence and security research. Over the years, it has won many awards. It has also been nominated for honors by respected magazines and groups.
In 2008 and 2020, Prospect magazine named RUSI "Think Tank of the Year." In 2008 and 2011, the magazine also called RUSI "Foreign Policy Think Tank of the Year." In 2018, RUSI was nominated in categories for economic and financial studies, and international affairs.
In 2022, RUSI received the Foreign Affairs Award from Prospect's Think Tank Awards. As of 2025, RUSI is among the top 10 most often mentioned think tanks worldwide.
How RUSI is Run
RUSI gets its money from its individual members and corporate members. It also earns money from its publications and research projects. Some of its main supporters include the U.S. Department of State and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. The European Commission and BAE Systems also contribute.
A council manages RUSI. This council includes vice-presidents, trustees, and an advisory council. Members serve for three years.
Important Leaders
- Chairman: Sir David Lidington
- Vice Chairman: Lord Ricketts
- Senior Vice Presidents: Lord Hague, General David Patraeus (Retired), The Duke of Wellington
Director-Generals
- 2007–2015: Michael Clarke
- 2015–2025: Karin von Hippel
- 2025–present: Rachel Ellehuus
See also
- List of UK think tanks
