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 news and commentary
New Zealand poll shows US seen as more of a threat than China
CSS Director David Capie commented on the result in the latest Asia New Zealand Foundation survey that Kiwis see the US as more of a threat than China.
NZ's defence spending is doubling, but the US says that's not enough
CSS Director David Capie talked to RNZ about US Secretary of War Hegseth's speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue and NZ's defence spending.
Armenia: the next Ukraine?
CSS Senior Fellow Ian Hill commented that Armenia is tilting West and Moscow is not happy – but neither side can afford to push too far.
The Cold War, the Bomb, and the Professors Who Turned around CIA
On 21 May 2026, Dr Grace talked to the CSS audience about his new book, The Intelligence Intellectuals: Social Scientists and the Making of the CIA.
Southeast Asia at the Geostrategic Crossroads
On 14 May 2026, CSS hosted Prof Thitinan Pongsudhirak for a lecture on Southeast Asian countries’ strategic calculations and wider implications.
CSS hosts Malaysian delegation
On 23 April the Centre for Strategic Studies hosted a delegation from ISIS Malaysia, led by Executive Chair Datuk Professor Faiz Abdullah.
CSS 2026 Conference: Connected Theatres or Fractured World?
On 10 March, the Centre for Strategic Studies hosted its 2026 annual conference, discussing cross-theatre links, collective responses and wider implications.
Watch the full recording
Why the West Needs to Work with 'the Rest"
2025 Sir Howard Kippenberger Visiting Chair in Strategic Studies Prof Amitav Acharya gave a public lecture on the once and future world order.
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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
Study options
Victoria University of Wellington offers internationally recognised postgraduate qualifications in Strategic Studies.
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