Royal United Services Institute

History

RUSI was founded in 1831 – making it the oldest defence and security think tank in the world – at the initiative of the Duke of Wellington. Its original mission was to study naval and military science.

The Duke of Wellington spearheaded the establishment of RUSI in a letter to Colbourn's United Service Journal arguing that 'a United Service Museum' should be formed, managed entirely by naval and military officers, and under patronage of the monarch, then King George IV, and the commanders-in-chief of the armed forces. Such an institution would prove that the two professions have entered the lists of science, and are ready to contend for honours 'tam Artibus quam Armis'.

Subsequently, Commander Henry Downes Royal Navy assembled a group with a view to forming a committee for action, to which King George's First ADC was commanded to convey 'His Majesty's gracious and high approbation of the undertaking and of the principles on which it is proposed to conduct it', which were stated to be suitable for 'a strictly scientific and professional society, and not a club'. The death of the King delayed matters, but the Duke of Clarence expressed his readiness to become a patron so, encouraged by the powerful support of the Duke of Wellington, the First Aide-de-camp, Sir Herbert Taylor, re-submitted the project to William IV (the former Duke of Clarence), and was able to assure the committee that 'it could proceed under his Majesty's gracious auspices.'

On 25 June 1831 the committee met. The chair was taken by Major General Sir Howard Douglas, in his person a symbol of the 'United Service': a soldier who was the leading expert on naval gunnery. The resolution that the institution be established was put by the future Field Marshal Viscount Hardinge and seconded by the future Rear-Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort, the famous hydrographer. The first title adopted was 'the Naval and Military Museum', altered in 1839 to 'the United Service Institution', and to 'the Royal United Service Institution' by Royal Charter of Incorporation in 1860, retained until the present day. Today it is known as the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies. FRUSI is a five letter postnomial abbreviation for Fellow of RUSI.

The building

Prior to moving into its current purpose-built headquarters in 1895, RUSI began its existence in Whitehall Court, then moved to a house in what was then known as Middle Scotland Yard in 1832. Queen Victoria granted RUSI the use of the Banqueting House. It finally moved to its current location next door to the Banqueting House in 1895.

Activities

RUSI is a British institution, but operates with an international perspective. It promotes the study and discussion of developments in military doctrine, defence management and defence procurement. In recent years RUSI has broadened its remit to include all issues of defence and security, including terrorism and the ideologies which foster it and the challenges which we face from other man-made or man-assisted threats and from natural disasters.

RUSI has a membership consisting of military officers, diplomats and the wider policy community, numbering almost two thousand.

RUSI currently also has fifty Associate Fellows and twelve Fellows FRUSI.

RUSI members and the wider defence and security community have access to the following activities:

Research

RUSI's research activities fall under three categories: Military sciences, International Security Studies and Homeland Security and Resilience. Since 2010, RUSI began widening its research interests to incorporate subjects such as Climate Change, and Conflict, War and Culture. In 2014, RUSI set up the Centre for Financial Crime and Security Studies.

Analysis

RUSI experts are often called upon to provide analysis and commentary on the leading defence and security issues of the day. In addition, RUSI.org hosts timely analysis on the defence and security issues of the day. Content is drawn from its publications and briefings from its researchers.

Events

RUSI organises a number of lectures, seminars and conferences for its membership and the wider defence and international security community. Its location in Whitehall means that is able to attract leading statesmen and policymakers.

Publications

RUSI publishes a number of periodicals and books. Its flagship publication is the RUSI Journal. It also publishes the RUSI Newsbrief and RUSI Defence Systems.

Funding

RUSI is a Registered Charity (No. 210639). It relies on membership subscriptions; income from conferences including sponsorship; research contracts; room hire; and donations from foundations and individuals for its income. RUSI receives no core funding from government.

Patron

President

Chairman

Senior Vice President

Council

RUSI is governed by a Council comprising Vice-Presidents, Trustees and an Advisory Council. Members serve for a three-year term. An up-to-date list can be found on RUSI's website.

Director