Security and Defence - Institute for Political Studies of Defence and Military History

SECURITY AND DEFENCE

Research activity in the field of security and defence is approached from two perspectives, aiming at both the process of adapting national capabilities in the field of security and defence, as well as the dynamics of the security environment. From this perspective, the analytical dimension of the scientific activity carried out by IPSDMH focuses on strategically relevant themes, combining both geographical and thematic approaches. At the same time, in structuring the portfolio of IPSDMH's research activity in the field of security and defence, additional orientation benchmarks aim at analysing the topics of interest associated with Romania's profile as a member of NATO and the EU, as well as that of a regional actor relevant for the policies developed by these organizations.

On these coordinates, themes such as: the security situation in the Black Sea basin, the Western Balkans, the Caucasus, the Middle East are approached with priority from the perspective of analysing the dynamics of the security environment and the implications at a strategic level for Romania. Also, the comprehensive nature of the research activity carried out by IPSDMH on the security and defence dimension is reinforced through distinct analyses on the main themes of the NATO and EU agendas such as: the development of NATO's advanced posture, the transatlantic relationship, the partnerships developed by NATO, the fight against terrorism, the dynamics of the European Security and Defence Policy, the operational commitments of the two organizations, etc.

Through this approach, IPSDMH's contribution in the field of scientific research is distinctly valued by identifying the main trends in the dynamics of international security, relevant to the general approach of promoting strategic culture at the national level. At the same time, the results of the research activities carried out by IPSDMH contribute to supporting the decision-making process at the level of the Ministry of National Defence and, subsequently, increasing the military body's capacity to adapt to the new challenges of the security environment. IPSDMH's contribution to the substantiation of the theoretical and methodological basis of the process of developing strategic documents that govern the defence planning process is also placed within this framework.

All these elements are reflected in the consistent editorial portfolio of the Institute for Defence Policy Studies and Military History, comprising both scientific works that address topics relevant to the dynamics of the security and defence environment, as well as periodical publications with a relevant profile in the national scientific landscape. Within this framework, we find the specialized magazine "Strategic Monitor", a biannual publication that analyses current themes and topics of the international security and defence agenda. "Strategic Monitor" also provides an appropriate framework for capitalizing on the research activity carried out by IPSDMH partner institutes from different states. Relevant for the thematic approach promoted within the scientific research activity promoted by IPSDMH is also the periodical publication "Security Brief". Two years into its existence, it offers a multidisciplinary perspective on topics of general interest, contributing, through a comprehensive approach, that includes elements of historical reporting, to a better understanding of them (e.g., Crimean Peninsula, Straits Issues, NATO evolution, Bessarabia).

The corollary of the research activity in the field of security and defence developed by IPSDMH is its valorization at the national and international level, primarily by organizing a consistent and constant number of activities (conferences, symposiums, workshops) in which relevant topics for analysing contemporary security dynamics are addressed. In this sense, IPSDMH represents a constant presence and has a profile, respectively a distinct contribution, within the framework of various scientific events carried out at national level in the field of security and defence, in partnership with various national research entities.

IPSDMH is also one of the main national scientific research entities that is involved in various international cooperation formulas in the field of security and defence. These include both bilateral cooperation programs developed with various research structures from NATO and EU member states, as well as participation as a representative of Romania in forms of multinational cooperation under the auspices of NATO (PfP Consortium of Academies and Institutes for Security Studies) or the EU (European Network of Strategic Studies Institutes/NESSI).

Institute for Political Studies of Defence and Military History