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.
Rabel, R. (2025). Global South and Western Divergence on Russia's War in Ukraine: Implications for World Order. International Affairs, 101(3), 1005-1021.
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

Conversation on Australian perspectives on regional security
Four leading Australian analysts shared insights on Australian perspectives on regional security.

Israel–Iran conflict: Moscow positions itself for advantage
CSS Senior Fellow Ian Hill argued that Russia will seize on the Israel–Iran crisis as an opportunity to advance its interests.

CSS hosts Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General
Secretary-General Baron Waqa talked about Pacific regionalism.

The Once and Future World Order: 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 world order.

Navy helicopter upgrade needed after Seasprites 'worked to the bone'
CSS Director David Capie commented on the NZ government's $2 billion spend on new naval helicopters.

Australia, Canada elections spark talk of ‘Trump effect’
CSS Director David Capie commented on Australia's 2025 election results.

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