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Commentary
RUSI experts and associates provide analysis on the latest developments in defence, security and international affairs.
Modern Deterrence: From Rhetoric to Practice
Commentary, 12 July 2018Ewan Lawson
The final communique of NATO’s Brussels summit pledges Allies to ‘continue to respond to the deteriorated security environment by enhancing our deterrence and defence posture’. But developing NATO’s...
NATO, Military Sciences, UK, Global Security Issues, Risk and Resilience, National Security, Resilience
The Murder of a British Civilian: The Need for Action Against Russia’s Use of Chemical Agents
Commentary, 9 July 2018Ryan Henrici
The death of Dawn Sturgess, one of two British civilians poisoned with Novichok, the same type of nerve agent used in last March’s attempted murder of Sergei and Yulia Skripal, escalates questions of...
International Security Studies, Russia, UK, Global Security Issues, Technology
EU ‘Strategic Autonomy’ and the Ambition of PESCO
Commentary, 4 July 2018Lauren Twort
The EU is trying to transition from its perceived status as a ‘soft power’ actor in defence, focussing on civilian crisis management and regulation of the European defence market, to a mix of soft...
Defence, Industries and Society, European Union, Global Strategy and Commitments, Security Policy, Global Security Issues, International Institutions, Europe
A Final Nail in the Coffin of the Iran Nuclear Deal?
Commentary, 2 July 2018Tom Keatinge
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) avoided a decision to return Iran to its blacklist of countries not doing enough to combat money laundering. Iran’s continued litany of financial crime failings...
Centre for Financial Crime and Security Studies, Iran's Nuclear Programme, United States, AML/CTF, Iran, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, International Institutions
The New UK Counterterrorism Strategy: Critical Questions for the ‘Prevent’ Strand
Commentary, 29 June 2018Mohammed Elshimi
A new version of the UK’s counterterrorism strategy (also known as CONTEST), was unveiled earlier this month. Of the four strands comprising CONTEST, it is the Prevent strand, preventing individuals...
UK Counter-terrorism, Tackling Extremism, National Security Studies, UK, Terrorism, Europe
Tier One or Bust?
Commentary, 26 June 2018Malcolm Chalmers
British Prime Minister Theresa May has allegedly refused to pledge that Britain will be a ‘Tier One’ military power in the future, after media reports hinted at tensions with her defence secretary...
Defence Spending, Global Strategy and Commitments, Defence Policy, UK, UK Defence, Europe
China and the Mekong: Future Flashpoint?
Commentary, 25 June 2018Brijesh Khemlani
The mighty Mekong river is a vital lifeline for Southeast Asia, a major source of trade, transport and sustenance for millions. However, the world’s twelfth longest river is emerging as an ecological...
China, International Security Studies, Asia, Global Security Issues
Virtuous Currencies: Time to Accentuate the Positive
Commentary, 20 June 2018Tom Keatinge
Rhetoric on virtual currencies has centred on risks and threats. But the technology also has the potential to promote financial inclusion.
Centre for Financial Crime and Security Studies, AML/CTF, Technology
Colombia’s New President: Will the Peace Deal Survive?
Commentary, 19 June 2018Charlie de Rivaz
The newly elected president of Colombia may end up scuppering a deal which, despite its problems, could be the country’s best chance for prolonged peace.
Americas, Central and South America, National Security Studies, Law and Ethics, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan: Moving From the Personal to the Strategic Domain
Commentary, 18 June 2018Kamal Alam and Ibrahim Al-Othaimin
On many fronts, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are working to deepen and formalise ties that have historically been determined by the quality of relationships between kings and prime ministers
Pakistan, The Gulf Region, International Security Studies, Global Security Issues
Ministers Meet to Discuss Middle East in Warsaw Conference Beset by Divisions in the West
A New Generation of Intelligence: National Security and Surveillance in the Age of AI
Episode 8 – Janice Charette