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.
"We can't be passive": New Zealand's changing tone about a more worrying world
Professor David Capie comments on the new foreign policy assessment released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
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New Zealand Draws Closer to NATO with a Wary Eye
Professor David Capie writes about the Ukraine war and the enhanced New Zealand-NATO cooperation and the political challenges that presents for Wellington.
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2023 Sir Howard Kippenberger Lecture: Identity, Race, and US-China Conflict.
Alastair Iain Johnston is the Gov. James Albert Noe and Linda Noe Laine Professor of China in World Affairs in the Government Department at Harvard University.
Watch lecture here
Pacific Power Paradox - American Statecraft and the Fate of the Asian Peace
Dr Van Jackson speaks about his new book with the Institute for Peace and Diplomacy (IPD).
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Whither the Liberal International Order: Lessons from Historical Orders
In this CSS lecture, Professors George Lawson (ANU) & Ayse Zarakol (Cambridge) discuss the fate of the Liberal International Order after drawing important lessons from their previous & current work on historical orders.
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New Zealand and the end of the Asia-Pacific era
Professor David Capie discusses the rise and fall of the Asia-Pacific era and how New Zealand can prepare for its challenges.
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The Past, Present and Future of Drones on the Battlefield
Public lecture by Professor Sarah Kreps, Cornell University on the role of drones in previous counterterroism strikes, the current role of drones in the war in Ukraine, and future evolution of drones on the battlefield.
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Robert Ayson: What New Zealand could do about Ukraine
Is there anything our Government could do in response to Russia's attempt to recast international boundaries through the use of force? Robert Ayson lays out nine potential options.
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Treating Russia as a pariah is not the answer; ending Putin's rule is
Emeritus Professor Roberto Rabel is currently a visiting professor at the University of Warsaw. Opinion: Russia is currently an international pariah, especially but not exclusively amongst democracies.
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America's Asia Strategy Has Reached a Dead End
Van Jackson argues Washington should prioritize economic statecraft and stop thinking with its missiles.
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Anxiety, insecurity and institutional paralysis in the Antarctic regime
Presented by Professor Alan Hemmings, a leading specialist on Antarctic governance, and an Adjunct Professor at Gateway Antarctica, University of Canterbury, Christchurch.
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Afghanistan: The end of strategic optimism
It could be a long time before western nations try to intervene again to rebuild other countries' institutions and political systems, writes Robert Ayson for Newsroom.
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CSS webinars are now available for viewing
During the pandemic, the Centre for Strategic Studies has held a number of webinars on subjects from the impact of COVID in Southeast Asia to the challenges facing the Biden Administration.
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Podcast: New Zealand's Indo-Pacific Recalibration
In an Apple Podcast, Prof Capie argues that despite NZ's traditional focus on trade and economy in the Asia-Pacific region, it is increasingly thinking more critically about potential geopolitical & security challenges.
Listen to the podcast here
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 websiteIntelligence and Security in our Changing World
4 November 2021. CSS hosted a public address by Hon Andrew Little, who reflected on National Security following the recent release of the Royal Commission Report into the Terrorist Attack on the Christchurch Mosques.
View recording here
How will a rising China relate to a rising India?
Explaining the asymmetry in the Sino-Indian Strategic Rivalry, Manjeet S. Pardesi.
Study options
Victoria University of Wellington offers internationally recognised postgraduate qualifications in Strategic Studies.
The inevitable rivalry
America, China, and the tragedy of great-power politics.