Sponsored by the Air Force Research Institute (AFRI) and the Royal United Services Institute, the conference was held by Kings College London on 18-19 May 2009 and focused on deterrence "to help understand and begin to develop policy frameworks that fit the current and emerging security context." Assembling some of the best minds on deterrence, the conference afforded speakers an opportunity to "invigorate this essential tool for today's policy community." In addition, the conference included two preconference "thought pieces" and two "quick looks" by AFRI personnel.