The Institute of Defense and Strategic Studies (IDSS) was established in July 1996 as an autonomous research institute within the Nanyang Technological University. As stated in its Mission Statement, IDSS exists to develop a community of scholars and policy analysts at the forefront of Asia-Pacific security studies and international affairs. Its objectives are to: conduct research on security, strategic and international issues; provide general and graduate education in strategic studies, international relations and international political economy; promote join and exchange programmes with similar regional and international institutions; and organize seminars/conferences on topics salient to the strategic and policy communities of the Asia-Pacific region.