About the Institute for Strategic and Defense Studies

The Institute for Strategic and Defense Studies (ISDS) was established in 1992. As a consequence of continued transformation of the wider institutional framework, ISDS has been functioning in various arrangements under the Hungarian Ministry of Defense, then from 2007 under the National Defense University, and finally from January 01, 2012 under the National University of Public Service (NUPS). Currently ISDS is part of Eötvös József Research Center at NUPS.

The Institute’s mission is to provide decision-makers appropriate and up-to-date background analysis in the field of security and defense policy, strategic planning and military operations, as well as observing and analyzing the relation of the Hungarian Defense Forces and Hungarian society. Besides, ISDS is actively involved in the public discourse about ‘security’ through media and education.

Regarding its consultative status, the Institute enjoys the benefits of both state-funding and project-funding, while being situated in an academic environment at the National University of Public Service. This provides a status of a semi-independent research institute, able to articulate independent opinion as an NGO, while maintaining the necessary consultative link towards governmental spheres. ISDS maintains primary relations with the Ministry of Defense, the Hungarian Defense Forces (Command of the Armed Forces and military organizations as well), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Relations with nongovernmental institutions are ad hoc, or project based. 

The Institute’s primary activity is conducting research and analysis of security and defense related issues. However, important fields of ISDS activities are public outreach and media activities, 'security marketing' in other words. CSDS staff is involved in education as well, giving lectures and delivering courses in their respective fields of research in various universities at all levels of higher education, BA – MA – PhD.