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.
Acharya, A., & Pardesi, M. S. (2025). Divergent Worlds: What the Ancient Mediterranean and Indian Ocean Can Tell Us About the Future of International Order. Yale University Press.
Rolfe, J. (2024). Prudence, Pragmatism and Principle: New Zealand’s Security in the 21st Century. World Scientific.
Latest news and commentary
Govt’s military spend-up comes with darker edge
CSS Director David Capie and Senior Fellow Peter Greener talked to the Newsroom on the Government's new defence capability plan.
‘Hallelujah’ says Ron Mark, as Govt reveals $12 billion defence plan
CSS Director David Capie commented on the Defence Capability Plan 2025.
Luxon takes spotlight at India’s ‘noisy’ international summit
CSS Director David Capie spoke to the Newsroom on the Raisina Dialogue and its implications.
There’s more to India than a free trade deal
CSS Director David Capie commented on Prime Minister Luxon's trip to India.
To deal with Russia, first understand what Putin wants
CSS Senior Fellow Ian Hill commented that the Trump Administration should understand what Putin wants to deal with Russia.
Navigating the Currents of Change
Keynote Address by Professor Transform Aqorau, Vice Chancellor, Solomon Islands National University at the 2025 PIPSA Conference, 20 February 2025.
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
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
Study options
Victoria University of Wellington offers internationally recognised postgraduate qualifications in Strategic Studies.
Explore study options