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 and the emerging multiplex order in the Indo-Pacific
AProf Pardesi argued that NZ draws on flexible coalitions and its layered national identity to foster an open, inclusive and globally linked Indo-Pacific.
ANZMIN shows the Australia–New Zealand alliance has focus and potential
CSS Director David Capie unpacked the ANZAC 2035 joint statement and ANZMIN 2026.
Countering Russian disinformation and hybrid warfare
CSS and NZIIA (Wellington) co-hosted a panel on Russian disinformation campaigns, lessons learned for countering them and broad implications.
Anzac ‘force multiplier’ talk risks NZ defence identity – expert
Military leaders champion being a ‘fast follower’ to Australia through a joint Anzac force, but one academic warns of potential downsides.
How NZ should handle nuclear weapons ‘turning point’
With nuclear arsenals growing rather than shrinking, one expert says NZ must become more comfortable talking about the threat.
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.
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.
Watch the recording
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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