About us

For 60 years, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) has helped to shape the strategic agenda for governments, businesses, the media and experts across the world. We earn our revenue from the sale of our databases and publications, host-nation support for conferences, corporate sponsorship, research work, consultancy, and donations from private individuals and foundations.

The IISS generates facts, produces analysis and exerts influence.

Facts. The IISS produces independent, policy-relevant data about conflict, however caused, that may have an important military dimension. Our analysts continuously collect and validate defence data on 171 countries. The Military Balance Plus digital database allows users to produce bespoke graphics and employ advanced analytic tools to understand defence trends. We are developing a methodology to measure cyber power. Our Conflict, Security and Development research programme assembles in one place the information needed to appreciate the factors that affect conflict and post-conflict stabilisation.

Analysis. The IISS identifies crucial questions and publishes clear, precise and timely analysis on strategic issues. We have evaluated the cost of European strategic autonomy, the economic and security trajectories of the Belt and Road Initiative, the political and business ramifications of expanded renewable energy in Asia, provided updates on conflicts from Sudan to Syria, assessed Iran’s influence networks across the Middle East, and examined the foreign-policy implications of the domestic politics of southeast Asian states.

Influence. The IISS informs government policy formulation and shapes public debate through our ability to convene heads of state, government ministers and experts at our world-renowned Shangri-La and Manama Dialogues. These Dialogues, conceived and developed by the IISS, provide the principal regional forums for annual public policy statements, as well as private bilateral and multilateral meetings among government officials. Engaging business leaders and key regional strategists, they play a major role in enhancing regional strategic transparency.