Centre for Defence and International Security Studies

The Centre for Defence and International Security Studies (or CDiSS) is a British defence and security think tank. CDiSS is engaged in research, analysis, commentary and discussion on issues of significance within the broad context of international security.

The Centre has no allegiances, but serves as a conduit between the academic community, government and other official and unofficial bodies, and the defence and security industries. The Centre organises conferences and seminars, undertakes focused and directed research and publishes papers in hard and soft copy. Its members also contribute to journals. Membership of CDiSS includes those with a background in academia, industry, the armed forces, non-governmental organisations, government and the media.

The current director of CDiSS is Martin Edmonds BA, MA (Econ), PhD, FRSA

History
The Centre for Defence and International Security Studies, established in 1990 at Lancaster University, by merger of two previous institutions: the Centre for Defence and Security Analysis and the Centre for the Study of Arms Control and International Security.

In 2004 it became an independent institution. It has been recognised as a non-governmental organisation by the United Nations.

Philosophy
The Centre strives to maintain objectivity and credibility, to remain independent of any government or non-government body and to be partial to no political party or private concern. The Centre therefore makes every effort to ensure that work is conducted in an unbiased manner, regardless of the opinions of sponsors or self-interest.

The Centre also seeks extensive collaboration with similar organisations as well as with industry, academia and government. The Centre believes that the study of today's complex issues demands the widest variety of contributions from many perspectives, each of which adds to the overall understanding of an issue. It acknowledges the importance of the defence and security debates in the United States of America and Europe and embraces those relationships through bilateral initiatives, activities and affiliations. It also seeks to look at wider international perspectives reflecting, for example, the rise of India and China. CDiSS thus deliberately adopts a collaborative approach. CDiSS strives to break down the "stovepipes" between government and business and, by so doing, to enjoy a reputation at the leading edge of the security debate. CDiSS therefore includes within its programmes experts in many disciplines and leaders from business, government and academia. It seeks to create an environment that promotes exchange of information, innovative thinking and analytical development.

Activities
There are currently 8 research programmes running within CDISS. Each programme addresses a topic of contemporary relevance in the international defence and security debate.


 * Space Security
 * Royal Navy and the Carrier Programme
 * Missile Threats & Responses
 * European Security & Transatlantic Relations
 * Military Professionalism and Integrity
 * Nuclear Weapons and Strategy Programme
 * Maritime and Aviation Security - The Ark Royal Programme