The Centre for Strategic Studies is New Zealand’s leading institution for research and public engagement on strategic, foreign policy and security issues.

Through media commentary, research, public events and outreach, the Centre seeks to contribute to an informed public discussion on New Zealand’s security interests, and regional and global security challenges.

Latest research

Staff at the Centre for Strategic Studies publish regularly on strategic and security issues.

Prudence, Principle and Pragmatism - New Zealand's Security in the 21st Century – CSS Senior Fellow Jim Rolfe has a new book out on the New Zealand national security system.

Pacific Islands Political Studies Association (PIPSA) Conference 2025

A two-day in-person conference running again for the first time since the pandemic. Submissions are due by 1 Oct 2024. Registration is open now.

More conference details

New Zealand Maritime Security Symposium 2024

On 13 June the Centre for Strategic Studies hosted the third triennial Maritime Security Symposium in Wellington.

Watch the recording
New Zealand soldiers walk by helicopters parked in an air field.

Incline: NZ's place in the world

Incline, edited by CSS Director Dr David Capie and Professor Robert Ayson, is an independent website which publishes analysis and commentary on issues and trends that impact New Zealand's international relations.

Visit Incline's website
2 NZ Navy ships – Te Mana at sea with HMNZS Endeavour in the background.

Study options

Victoria University of Wellington offers internationally recognised postgraduate qualifications in Strategic Studies.

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Upcoming and current events