What is the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) and what is its primary focus?

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) is an international research institute, also known as a think tank, that concentrates its work on defense and security issues. It is recognized as a leading global institution in its field, producing data and research on defense, security, and global affairs.

What is the official abbreviation for the International Institute for Strategic Studies?

The official abbreviation for the International Institute for Strategic Studies is IISS.

When was the International Institute for Strategic Studies founded, and what was its original name?

The International Institute for Strategic Studies was founded in 1958. It was originally known as the Institute for Strategic Studies (ISS).

What event or set of issues led to the founding of the IISS?

The IISS was founded following a conference in January 1957 that brought together key voices concerned with the nuclear issues of that era. A group chaired by military historian Michael Howard recommended establishing a body dedicated to collecting and disseminating information about nuclear weapons and their implications for international relations.

Who were the first director and the first president of the IISS?

The first director of the Institute for Strategic Studies was the defense journalist Alastair Buchan. Its first president was the former Labour prime minister Clement Attlee.

Why was the name of the institute changed from Institute for Strategic Studies to International Institute for Strategic Studies?

The institute's name was changed to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in 1971. This change reflected the growing international composition of its council, which began including Australian and Japanese members from 1968 onwards.

Where has the headquarters of the IISS been located since 1997?

Since 1997, the headquarters of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) has been located at Arundel House in London.

What does the image of Arundel House depict in relation to the IISS?

The image of Arundel House shows the building that serves as the headquarters for the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in the Temple area of London.

What kind of services does the IISS provide to its clients?

The IISS provides strategic advice and political risk analysis to both government and commercial clients.

How has the IISS been described by The Guardian newspaper?

The Guardian newspaper has described the IISS as one of the world's leading security think tanks.

What is the significance of the Shangri-La Dialogue in the context of the IISS?

The Shangri-La Dialogue, organized by the IISS, was ranked as the best think tank conference worldwide in the 2017 Global Go To Think Tank Index.

What was the Alastair Buchan memorial lecture in 1977, and who delivered it?

The 1977 Alastair Buchan memorial lecture was delivered by West German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt, who had been an Institute member since 1959. This lecture became recognized as one of the key appeals for the deployment of 'Euromissiles' to counter new Soviet intermediate-range missiles.

What controversy arose in 2016 regarding the IISS's funding?

In 2016, The Guardian reported that the IISS had allegedly jeopardized its independence by secretly receiving £25 million from the Bahraini royal family. Leaked documents indicated that the funding for the Manama Dialogues was specifically agreed to be kept secret.

How did the IISS respond to the allegations of compromised independence due to Bahraini funding?

The IISS did not dispute the authenticity of the leaked documents or deny receiving funds from Bahrain. However, they issued a statement asserting that all their contractual agreements, including those with host governments, contain a clause guaranteeing the institute's absolute intellectual and operational independence as an international organization that does not engage in advocacy.

What was the reported annual turnover of the IISS in 2023?

In 2023, the IISS had an annual turnover of more than £25 million.

What was the initial focus of the IISS's 'military balance' pamphlet, and what issues did it face?

In 1959, the IISS issued a pamphlet on the military balance between the Soviet Union and NATO. According to Raymond L. Garthoff, this initial pamphlet was replete with errors, compiled from sources of varying quality. Subsequent versions were improved after concerns were raised with the director.

Which major defense and aerospace companies are listed as major funders of the IISS, contributing £100,000 or more?

Major funders contributing £100,000 or more to the IISS include Airbus, Lockheed Martin Corporation, BAE Systems, Raytheon, Boeing Company, Rolls-Royce, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, and Taylor & Francis.

Who is the current Director-General and Chief Executive of the IISS?

The current Director-General and Chief Executive of the IISS is Bastian Giegerich.

Who holds the position of Executive Chairman at the IISS?

Sir John Chipman serves as the Executive Chairman of the IISS.

Who were the directors of the IISS between 1958 and 1993?

The directors of the IISS between 1958 and 1993 were Alastair Buchan (1958–1969), François Duchêne (1969–1974), Christoph Bertram (1974–1982), Robert J. O'Neill (1982–1987), François Heisbourg (1987–1992), and Bo Huldt (1992–1993).

Who has served as the Director-General and Chief Executive of the IISS since 1993, and who succeeded him?

John Chipman served as the Director-General and Chief Executive of the IISS from 1993 to 2023. He was succeeded by Bastian Giegerich in 2023.

What is the governance structure of the IISS?

The IISS is a registered charity, with fundraising overseen by a board of trustees. The trustees appoint members to the IISS Council, which functions as the institute's intellectual advisory body. Both the trustees and the council have an international composition.

Who chairs the board of trustees of the IISS as of February 2024?

As of February 2024, Bill Emmott chairs the board of trustees of the IISS. He is also the chairman of the Japan Society (UK) and was formerly the editor-in-chief of The Economist.

Who is listed as the chairman of the Advisory Council for the IISS?

Chung Min Lee serves as the chairman of the Advisory Council for the IISS. He is also a professor at the Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology and a Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

What is the role of the IISS Council?

The IISS Council serves as the institute's intellectual advisory body, with its members appointed by the trustees.

What is the stated purpose of the IISS's work?

The IISS focuses on defense and security issues, producing data and research on questions of defense, security, and global affairs. It also publishes analyses and convenes security summits.

How does the IISS rank among global think tanks according to the 2017 Global Go To Think Tank Index?

In the 2017 Global Go To Think Tank Index, the IISS was ranked as the tenth-best think tank worldwide and the second-best globally in the category of Defence and National Security think tanks.

What was the IISS's ranking by Think Tank Alert in 2025?

In 2025, Think Tank Alert ranked the IISS as the top, most-cited non-US-based think tank.

What rating did Transparify give the IISS, and what was the reason?

Transparify gave the IISS its lowest rating, describing it as deceptive regarding funding transparency, despite ranking it as the third-largest UK think tank by expenditure.

What is the official website address for the International Institute for Strategic Studies?

The official website address for the International Institute for Strategic Studies is www.iiss.org.

What does the official logo of the IISS look like, based on the provided image?

The official logo of the IISS, as depicted in the provided image, is a circular emblem with the text 'International Institute for Strategic Studies' around the perimeter and a central design.

What is the geographical location of the IISS headquarters?

The headquarters of the IISS is located in London, England, United Kingdom.

What is the approximate number of employees at the IISS as of 2023?

As of 2023, the IISS had approximately 160 employees.

What is the primary function of the IISS regarding its research output?

The IISS produces data and research on defense, security, and global affairs, publishing its findings through various publications and online analysis.

Who are some of the prominent individuals serving on the IISS Board of Trustees as of February 2024?

As of February 2024, prominent individuals on the IISS Board of Trustees include Bill Emmott (Chairman), Caroline Atkinson, John O. Brennan (former director of the CIA), and Florence Parly (Former Minister of the Armed Forces, France).

Who are some of the notable members of the IISS Advisory Council?

Notable members of the IISS Advisory Council include Chung Min Lee (Chairman), Linden P. Blue (CEO of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems), Thomas Enders (former CEO of Airbus), and General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith (Former Chief of the General Staff, British Army).

What is the IISS's involvement with NATO?

The IISS has worked with governments and defense ministries, including organizations like NATO. For instance, the NATO Defense College and IISS convened the first NATO-Gulf Strategic Dialogue.

What does the acronym 'IISS' stand for?

The acronym 'IISS' stands for the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

What is the stated mission or purpose of the IISS's research and publications?

The IISS focuses on defense and security issues, producing data and research on questions of defense, security, and global affairs, and publishing analyses and convening security summits.

What is the significance of the 'military balance' publication mentioned in the text?

The 'military balance' is a publication that the IISS has issued annually since 1959, providing an analysis of the military balance between nations, such as the Soviet Union and NATO. Early versions faced accuracy issues but were improved over time.

What role does the IISS play in major security discussions?

The IISS convenes major security summits, such as the Shangri-La Dialogue, which has been recognized as the top think tank conference worldwide.

Who is responsible for overseeing fundraising at the IISS?

Fundraising at the IISS is overseen by the board of trustees.

What is the relationship between the IISS trustees and the IISS Council?

The trustees appoint the members of the IISS Council, which serves as the institute's intellectual advisory body.

What are the main areas of focus for the research conducted by the IISS?

The IISS focuses its research on defense and security issues, as well as broader global affairs.

How many continents does the IISS have offices on?

The IISS has offices on four continents.

What is the stated purpose of the IISS's advisory services?

The IISS provides strategic advice and political risk analysis to government and commercial clients.

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About IISS

Core Mission

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) is a globally recognized research institute dedicated to advancing understanding of defence, security, and international affairs. Established in 1958, it operates as a key international relations think tank, with its headquarters situated in London, United Kingdom. The IISS maintains a significant global presence with offices across four continents, producing vital data and analysis on critical security issues.

Reputation & Rankings

The IISS is consistently ranked among the world's leading think tanks. In 2017, the Global Go To Think Tank Index ranked it tenth globally and second for Defence and National Security. Think Tank Alert further recognized it as the top, most-cited non-US-based think tank in 2025. However, it has also faced scrutiny; Transparify noted it as a top UK think tank by expenditure but assigned its lowest rating for funding transparency.

Key Leadership

The institute's strategic direction is guided by its leadership. As of recent reporting, Bastian Giegerich serves as the Director-General and Chief Executive, while Sir John Chipman holds the position of Executive Chairman. Their leadership oversees the organization's extensive research output and global engagement activities.

Research & Engagement

Government & Global Partnerships

The IISS actively collaborates with governments, defense ministries, and international organizations, including NATO. Its research aims to inform policy decisions and enhance understanding of complex geopolitical challenges. This engagement ensures its analysis remains relevant and impactful in the global security landscape.

Data & Analysis

A cornerstone of the IISS's work is the production of comprehensive data and rigorous analysis on defense and security matters. This includes detailed assessments of military capabilities, strategic trends, and regional security dynamics, disseminated through publications and online platforms.

Advisory Services

Strategic Insights

The IISS offers specialized strategic advice and political risk analysis tailored to government and commercial clients. This service leverages the institute's deep expertise and extensive research network to provide actionable intelligence on evolving global challenges and opportunities.

Key Publications

Flagship Reports

The IISS is renowned for its authoritative publications. Its annual flagship publication, The Military Balance, provides a comprehensive assessment of the military capabilities and defense economics of nations worldwide. This resource is indispensable for understanding global military power dynamics.

Notable Disclosures

In 2011, the institute published significant findings from the FARC files, documents captured from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. These disclosures shed critical light on the internal operations and connections of the organization, demonstrating the IISS's capacity for impactful investigative research.

Global Summits

The IISS convenes influential global security summits, most notably the Shangri-La Dialogue. Recognized as the premier security forum in the Asia-Pacific region, it brings together defense ministers, senior officials, and experts to discuss pressing security challenges. The 2017 Global Go To Think Tank Index ranked it as the best think tank conference worldwide.

Historical Evolution

Founding & Early Years

The Institute for Strategic Studies (ISS) was founded in 1958, emerging from discussions on the implications of nuclear weapons. Chaired by military historian Michael Howard, the founding group aimed to create a body focused on collecting and disseminating information about nuclear issues. Its first director was defence journalist Alastair Buchan, and its first president was former Labour Prime Minister Clement Attlee.

Internationalization

Initially composed primarily of British members, the institute expanded its international reach. By 1968, Australian and Japanese members joined the council. This growing international scope led to its renaming as the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in 1971, reflecting its broadened focus and membership.

Influential Moments

The IISS has hosted significant events and lectures that shaped policy discourse. A notable example is the 1977 Alastair Buchan memorial lecture, delivered by West German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt. This address became a key appeal for the deployment of "Euromissiles" to counter Soviet intermediate-range missiles, highlighting the institute's role in high-level strategic discussions.

Funding & Transparency

Major Contributors

The IISS receives substantial financial support from a range of major organizations. Key funders contributing £100,000 or more include prominent entities in the defense and aerospace sectors such as Airbus, Lockheed Martin Corporation, BAE Systems, Raytheon, The Boeing Company, Rolls-Royce, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, and Taylor & Francis.

Transparency Concerns

In 2016, reports emerged alleging that the IISS had received significant funding, estimated at £25 million, from the Bahraini royal family, with an agreement to keep this funding secret. While the IISS did not dispute the authenticity of leaked documents, it asserted its absolute intellectual and operational independence as an international organization. Subsequent reports suggested Bahraini sources may have constituted nearly half of the institute's income during the 2010s.

Governance Structure

Board of Trustees

The IISS operates as a registered charity, with its fundraising activities overseen by a Board of Trustees. This board, composed of international members, appoints the IISS Council, the institute's intellectual advisory body. As of February 2024, Bill Emmott served as the chairman of the trustees, alongside prominent figures from academia, business, and former government roles.

Bill Emmott (chairman of the trustees), chairman of the Japan Society (UK); former editor in chief, The Economist;
Caroline Atkinson, Senior Advisor, Rock Creek; former head, Global Policy, Google; former Deputy National Security Adviser, International Economics, Obama Administration;
Neha Aviral, principal, ghSMART;
Hakeem Belo-Osagie, chairman, FSDH Holding Company; chairman of the Board of Trustees, Harvard Centre for African Studies
John O. Brennan, former director, Central Intelligence Agency;
Chris Jones, director, Becton, Dickinson and Co;
Chung Min Lee, (chairman of the Advisory Council); professor, Institute of Convergence and Security Affairs, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology; Senior Fellow, Asia Programme, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Florence Parly, Former Minister of the Armed Forces, France
Kasper Rørsted, Former CEO of Adidas; Former CEO of Henkel; Member of the Board of Directors, AP Moller-Maersk; Member of Supervisory Board Siemens AG;
Lord Sedwill, Former Cabinet Secretary and National Security Adviser, Cabinet Office, UK; chair of the Atlantic Future Forum;
Grace Reksten Skaugen, Co-founder and Board Member, Norwegian Institute of Directors; chair, Euronav NV; chair, Orrön Energy AB (formerly Lundin);
Matthew Symonds Co-founder, The Independent; former Defence and Security Editor, The Economist; former Executive Director, The Lawrence Ellison Foundation

Advisory Council

The Advisory Council comprises distinguished individuals who provide intellectual guidance to the IISS. Chaired by Chung Min Lee, the council includes experts from diverse fields such as international relations, business, military affairs, and technology, contributing to the institute's broad strategic perspective.

Chung Min Lee (chairman of the Advisory Council)
Joanne de Asis, president, Globe Capital Partners; Senior Advisor, Morgan Stanley
Caroline Atkinson,
Linden P. Blue, chief executive officer, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
Garvin Brown, chairman, Brown-Forman Corporation
General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith, GCB, CBE, Former Chief of the General Staff, British Army;
Alejandro Santo Domingo, Chairman of Grupo Empresarial Bavaria, Colombia; managing director, Quadrant Capital Advisors,
Bill Emmott (chairman of the Trustees)
Thomas Enders, president, German Council on Foreign Relations; former Chief Executive Officer, Airbus
Michael Fullilove, executive director, Lowy Institute;
Yoichi Funabashi, Co-founder and Chairman, Asia Pacific Initiative;
Alia Hatoug-Bouran, Senator, The Jordanian Senate; president, Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean
Eyal Hulata, Senior international fellow, Foundation for Defense of Democracies; Former National Security Advisor, Israel and Former Head of Israel’s National Security Council
Badr Jafar, President of Crescent Petroleum; CEO of Crescent Enterprises
Bilahari Kausikan, chairman, Middle East Institute, National University of Singapore; Former Ambassador-at-Large and Policy Advisor, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore
Thomas Lembong, director, Consilience Policy; former Chairman, Investment Coordinating Board; former Minister of Trade, Indonesia
Eric X. Li, founder and Managing Director, Chengwei Capital
Peter Maurer, Former President, International Committee of the Red Cross; former Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations
Florence Parly;
Lord Powell of Bayswater KCMG, Member, House of Lords; former Private Secretary and Adviser on Foreign Affairs and Defence to Prime Ministers Thatcher and Major
Andrés Rozental, Eminent Ambassador of Mexico; President Rozental & Associates;
Lord Sedwill,
Debra Soon, Group Head, Marketing and Communications, Aviva Singlife Holdings
Heizo Takenaka, Professor Emeritus, Keio University; former Minister of Internal Affairs and Communication
Marcus Wallenberg, chairman, Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken; Chairman Saab AB; Vice Chair, Investor AB; chairman, Foundation Asset Management; director, Astra Zeneca

Operational Leadership

The day-to-day operations and strategic execution are managed by the Director-General and Chief Executive, Bastian Giegerich, and the Executive Chairman, Sir John Chipman. They report to the chairman of the trustees, ensuring alignment between governance and operational activities.

Leadership History

Past & Present Directors

The IISS has been led by distinguished figures throughout its history, shaping its trajectory and impact on global strategic discourse.

Alastair Buchan (1958–1969)
François Duchêne (1969–1974)
Christoph Bertram (1974–1982)
Robert J. O'Neill (1982–1987)
François Heisbourg (1987–1992)
Bo Huldt (1992–1993)
John Chipman (1993–2023)
Bastian Giegerich (2023–present)

Authority Control

Identifiers & Databases

The International Institute for Strategic Studies is cataloged across various international and national authority control systems, facilitating precise identification and retrieval of information.

Category	Identifier
International	ISNI: 0000000404241231 VIAF: 157677154 GND: 1004800-5 FAST: 544500
National	United States: n80060461 France: BnF data (cb13617007x) Japan: ndlna/00267281 Australia: aut-an35231601 Czech Republic: ic:ko2003163676 Portugal: catbnp/413258, 2 Norway: 90099804, 2 Israel: 987007263029105171 Catalonia: 981058515855106706
Academics	CiNii: DA00228993
Other	IdRef: 056579403 Yale LUX

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References

"Our funding", IISS, 10 November 2016.

"IISS activities in the Kingdom of Bahrain", IISS, 7 December 2016.

A Journey Through the Cold War, 2004, p. 64. See also "Conflict: An International Journal", 1987 edition, 85â86.

A full list of references for this article are available at the International Institute for Strategic Studies Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date. It does not represent the official views or statements of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for expert analysis, strategic consultation, or policy advice from qualified professionals. The IISS itself is a think tank providing analysis, and this AI-generated content should not be mistaken for direct output or endorsement by the institute.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein. Always consult official IISS publications and resources for authoritative information.

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About IISS 🏛️

🌍 Core Mission

📊 Reputation & Rankings

👨‍💼 Key Leadership

Research & Engagement 🔬

🤝 Government & Global Partnerships

📈 Data & Analysis

Advisory Services ⚖️

💡 Strategic Insights

Key Publications 📚

📖 Flagship Reports

📰 Notable Disclosures

🗣️ Global Summits

Historical Evolution ⏳

📜 Founding & Early Years

🌐 Internationalization

🗣️ Influential Moments

Funding & Transparency 💰

🏢 Major Contributors

🔍 Transparency Concerns

Governance Structure ⚖️

📜 Board of Trustees

👥 Advisory Council

🏢 Operational Leadership

Leadership History 👨‍💼

🗓️ Past & Present Directors

Authority Control 🆔

🔗 Identifiers & Databases

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

About IISS

Core Mission

Reputation & Rankings

Key Leadership

Research & Engagement

Government & Global Partnerships

Data & Analysis

Advisory Services

Strategic Insights

Key Publications

Flagship Reports

Notable Disclosures

Global Summits

Historical Evolution

Founding & Early Years

Internationalization

Influential Moments

Funding & Transparency

Major Contributors

Transparency Concerns

Governance Structure

Board of Trustees

Advisory Council

Operational Leadership

Leadership History

Past & Present Directors

Authority Control

Identifiers & Databases

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice