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
Vale – Dr Cathy Downes
It is with great sadness that the Centre for Strategic Studies has learned of the passing of our former colleague and Non-Resident Fellow, Dr Cathy Downes.
Russia: Doubling down in Ukraine – and against the West
Ian Hill writes that peace talks continue in name only, as Moscow counts on exhaustion to secure gains it cannot win on the battlefield.
The Renewal of the Royal New Zealand Navy Fleet
Senior Fellow Peter Greener enlarged his discussion on the renewal of the Royal New Zealand Navy Fleet for the future.
Growing CSS cooperation with Poland
Professorial Fellow Professor Rabel represented CSS in an international research project led by the University of Warsaw.
Manjeet Pardesi won a book award
Associate Professor Manjeet Pardesi won the T.V. Paul Award for the Best Book in Global International Relations.
CSS Hosts NATO military leader for Wellington Address
CSS hosts the Chairman of NATO's Military, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, for a speech.
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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