RUSI Defence Systems

Short summaries addressing strategic, conceptual, and acquisition challenges encountered by the worldwide defense sector, tailored for both analysts and professionals.

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The US Must Change Course on Myanmar

1 week ago | rusi.org | Brahma Chellaney

Brahma Chellaney4 Minute ReadSince the Myanmar military’s overthrow of a civilian government in 2021, the US has taken a punitive approach to the country, emphasizing broad-based sanctions and aid to rebel groups. But far from promoting a democratic transition, this approach has perpetuated violence and suffering, while strengthening China's strategic foothold. Please wait while we verify your account can view this article.
US Trade and Trump’s Tariffs - Disruption or Design?

2 weeks ago | rusi.org | David Roche

For long periods geopolitics and economics can seem disconnected. Weak economies can generate major wars or the threat of them. And major conflicts can leave the global economy and capital markets indifferent. But whenever there is a tectonic plate-shift in world order, then geopolitics and economics move in synch and reinforce each other. We are living such a moment.
Exhibition Review: War and the Mind

3 weeks ago | rusi.org | Emma De Angelis

Emma De Angelis reviews War and the Mind by the Imperial War Museums, London (27 September 2024–27 April 2025).
Editor’s Note: RUSI Journal, Issue 2, 2025

3 weeks ago | rusi.org | Emma De Angelis

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.
Can the Middle Corridor be Europe's Middle Ground?

3 weeks ago | rusi.org | Arzu Abbasova |Olivia Allison

The Middle Corridor, officially known as the Trans-Caspian International Trade Route, is often touted as the shortest trade route connecting China to Europe – an alternative to both Russia’s Northern Corridor and the Suez Canal. On paper, it is a game-changer. And if you follow regional news, you will see a near-weekly stream of announcements celebrating milestones along the route.
The Challenges Involved in Military Strikes Against Iran’s Nuclear Programme

1 month ago | rusi.org | Darya Dolzikova |Justin Bronk

Two months since Donald Trump’s return to the White House, some of the outlines of the new administration’s approach to the Iran nuclear question are starting to emerge. The door to diplomacy remains open; however, there is also a clear determination to dial up the pressure on Tehran, including through military threats.
Typhoons in Cyberspace

1 month ago | rusi.org | Ciaran Martin

The transformation of China’s digital attack capabilities is the most important change in the cyber threat to the West in more than a decade, writes Ciaran Martin. In a world of extraordinary geopolitical volatility, the threat to Western nations and interests from cyber attacks has, contrary to expectations, remained remarkably stable. Asked to name the leading anti-Western nation state actors in 2015, any expert would have listed Russia, China, Iran and North Korea.
South Africa and the US: A New Low in Relations

1 month ago | rusi.org | Ray Hartley |Greg Mills

There has seldom been as ill-considered a rant as that placed on record by the South African Ambassador to the US, Ebrahim Rasool at an online dialogue organised by an African National Congress (ANC) think tank. During a feverish ‘analysis’ of the US, Rasool managed to insult by name the US President, Donald Trump, his strongest ally, Elon Musk and the Vice President, JD Vance. In one fell swoop he has placed himself (now persona non grata in the US) and his country in jeopardy.
Airborne Electromagnetic Warfare in NATO: A Critical European Capability Gap

1 month ago | rusi.org | Justin Bronk

Professor Justin BronkLong ReadRead Full Report(PDF 813KB)This paper provides recommendations for enhancing European electromagnetic warfare capabilities in NATO’s air and space forces. Airborne electromagnetic warfare (EW) capabilities are critical to Western airpower, but they are also one of the areas in which NATO countries have the greatest dependence on the US military.
Peace Prospects in the South Caucasus

1 month ago | rusi.org | Callum Fraser

Peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan will limit Russia's influence in the South Caucasus, but the current draft peace agreement leaves questions unresolved. News of a draft peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan is a positive note during a tumultuous period for European security. This deal sets up the opportunity to bring an end to over four decades of conflict. However, tensions remain high and trust low.