In this research paper, Kathryn Westmore examines the rapid development of Chinese Money Laundering Organisations (CMLOs), describing their history and expansion in the West. She analyses them within a state threats framework and discusses the policy implications.

Kathryn Westmore (RUSI)

November 2025

The second in a series of synthesis papers, Matthew Redhead addresses middle powers as state threat actors. He describes the scope and nature of middle powers’ activities, identifying key actors and the state threats they undertake. He goes on to make observations for policymakers responding to middle power state threats.

Matthew Redhead (RUSI)

September 2025

The fourth in a series of synthesis papers, Matthew Redhead addresses Russia as a state threats actor. He describes the scope and nature of Russian activity, providing an overview of actions which are varied, far-reaching and growing in number and aggression. He makes observations for policymakers and future discussion.

Matthew Redhead (RUSI)

September 2025

The third in a series of synthesis papers, Matthew Redhead addresses China as a state threats actor. He describes the scope and nature of China’s activity, providing an overview of actions which, while more cautious than those of other revisionist states, are becoming more aggressive in some areas and have the potential for further escalation.

Matthew Redhead (RUSI)

September 2025

The first in a series of synthesis papers, Matthew Redhead addresses the definitions and conceptualisations policymakers use when addressing state threats. He offers a new model for thinking about state threats, as well as observations for future thinking.

Matthew Redhead (RUSI)

July 2025

From the combination of traditional intelligence tradecraft with new technologies, attempts to innovate, a willingness to take greater risks, and a growing willingness to contract out activities to both licit and illicit non-state actors – especially organised crime groups, this research shows there is much that is new about the rising tide of hostile activities perpetrated by state actors and their partners; state threats.  

This paper offers firmer definitional boundaries of state threats, and within them, explores the scale, scope and characteristics of their modern manifestation, especially - but not exclusively - from a Western perspective. It shows that many hostile activities are taking advantage of the new vulnerabilities in society, such as social media and societal reliance on technology, and that state threats have become more important as tools of policy due to “geopolitical climate change”, including perceived changes in global power balances and receding agreement on international norms of behaviour.

The paper concludes that whilst evidence suggests the results of these kinds of activities are mixed, they remain an attractive form of coercive statecraft in the medium term, and that if sustained over the long term, could have more severe effects on open societies that have robust protections in place.

Matthew Redhead (RUSI)

January 2025