The Centre for Defence and International Security Studies (or CDiSS) is a British

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...

 defence and security think tank

Think tank

A think tank is an organization that conducts research and engages in advocacy in areas such as social policy, political strategy, economics, military, and technology issues. Most think tanks are non-profit organizations, which some countries such as the United States and Canada provide with tax...

. CDiSS is a wholly independent organisation engaging in research, analysis, commentary and discussion on issues of significance within the broad context of international security. Established in 1990 at Lancaster University

Lancaster University

Lancaster University, officially The University of Lancaster, is a leading research-intensive British university in Lancaster, Lancashire, England. The university was established by Royal Charter in 1964 and initially based in St Leonard's Gate until moving to a purpose-built 300 acre campus at...

, the Centre has no allegiances, but seeks to influence policy through the stimulation of debate.

In particular, CDiSS 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.

CDiSS Mission Statement

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

History

The Centre for Defence and International Security Studies is the oldest surviving centre of its kind in the United Kingdom, having started during the height of the Cold War in the early 1970s. Since its inception, it has contributed significantly to broad range of defence and security debates, given assistance to government departments, armed forces and industry in both the UK and abroad, contributions that secured its recognition as a Non-governmental Organisation by the United Nations.

Philosophy

The mission can be achieved only through a consistent and continuing regard for two basic principles.
Firstly, 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.
Secondly, the Centre 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. The Centre aspires to become the premier national institution within its discipline.

Enduring Objectives

1. To foster links with the international security and defence community, the British Ministry of Defence, other government departments, the diplomatic community and the media.
2. To maintain continuing contact with defence industry both within the UK and abroad.
3. To cement tight linkages with the Defence Academy, Development Concepts and Doctrine Centre (DCDC) and the individual Service Warfare Centres in addition to similar agencies of other government departments, especially the Home Office.
4. To host conferences and seminars on key defence and security-related issues.
5. To conduct focused research in areas identified by the Director through a series of core programmes.
6. To publish the Defense Analysis & Security journal four times a year and the CDISS series of papers and memoranda as appropriate.
7. To enlist leading defence experts to work with the Centre as appropriate opportunities arise.
8. To foster affiliations worldwide with similarly interested bodies.
9. To host a series of workshops associated with each programme.
10. To be an independent "not for profit" organisation.
11. To remain financially independent through funded projects, sponsored research, direct sponsorship and other appropriate means.
12. To produce tangible and innovative output.

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

Events

CDiSS is currently in the process of organising a major space security conference with the collaboration of the Indian Government during Nov 2007.
For further information see www.spacesecurityprogramme.org