Institute for Strategic and Defense Studies
The Institute for Strategic and Defense Studies (ISDS) was established in 1992. As a consequence of the continuing transformation of the wider institutional framework, ISDS has functioned in various arrangements under the aegis of the Hungarian Ministry of Defense, then from 2007 as a unit of the National Defense University, and finally from January 01, 2012 under the auspices of the National University of Public Service (NUPS). Currently ISDS is part of the Eötvös József Research Center at NUPS.
The Institute’s mission is to provide decision-makers with appropriate and up-to-date briefings and analyses in the field of security and defense policy, strategic planning and military operations, as well as monitoring and analyzing the relationship between the Hungarian Defense Forces and Hungarian society. The ISDS is also actively involved in the public discourse about ‘security’ through media and education.
As a result of its advisory role, the Institute enjoys the benefits of both state-funding and project-funding, while also operating in an academic context at National University of Public Service. This allows it to function as a semi-independent research institute, able to articulate independent opinion as an NGO, while maintaining a vital consultative link to governmental spheres. The ISDS maintains close relations with the Ministry of Defense, the Hungarian Defense Forces (both Command of the Armed Forces and military units), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Relations with nongovernmental institutions are ad hoc, or project based. ISDS remains open to cooperation and available through its homepage on the National University of Public Service’s website, at: https://svkk.uni-nke.hu/isds-in-english/about-the-institute-for-strategic-and-defense-studies (in English) and more detailed information on its activities can be accessed at: https://svkk.uni-nke.hu/ (in Hungarian).
The Institute’s primary activity is conducting research and analysis into security and defense related issues. However, the ISDS’s public outreach and media activities, what might be called 'security marketing', are also an important part of its work. CSDS staff are also involved in education, giving lectures and delivering courses in their respective fields of research at various universities at all levels of higher education, from Bachelor’s to PhD level.
Head of the Institute
Dr. Péter Tálas
senior research fellow
Tel.: 36-1-432-9000/20-795
E-mail: Talas.Peter@uni-nke.hu
Administrator
dr. Dóra Gáspár