Browse Categories

Aims and Objectives

The Center for International Strategic Studies (CISS) is a non-partisan think tank based in the scenic and serene city of Islamabad. Through an excellent team of experts and research professionals, we are dedicated to highlighting the evolving regional and global strategic issues and providing evidence-based analyses and policy recommendations to promote regional stability.

Since its establishment in 2010, CISS has been at the forefront of thought leadership, conducting in-depth research on issues including security, nuclear non-proliferation, arms control, geopolitics, and regional and global strategic stability.

Within a short span of around a decade since its formation, CISS has proven itself to be the voice of Pakistan’s strategic community and is moving from strength to strength on this path.

Mission Statement

To conduct policy research, analysis and advocacy and highlight the evolving regional and global strategic issues to promote peace and stability.

Objectives

Promote the national perspective on key domestic, regional and international issues through research and outreach

Seek collaborations with relevant national and international policy institutes for the exchange of ideas and knowledge

Function as a reliable source of strategic communication, data and analysis

Facilitate capacity-building through mentorship, training, and internship programs

Provide a conducive research environment to Visiting Scholars aimed at building perceptions and connecting shared knowledge-based interests

Team CISS

Mr Syed Ali Abbas

Research Officer/ Comm Officer/ Managing Editor CISS Insight

Syed Ali Abbas is a Research Officer/Communication Officer at the Center for International Strategic Studies (CISS), Islamabad. Previously, he served as an associate editor at Indus News Network. His areas of interest include Middle East politics, military modernization, foreign policy, and nuclear politics. He has contributed to various platforms, including The National Interest, South Asian Voices, and others.

Dr Anum Riaz

Associate Director Research

Dr. Anum Riaz is the Associate Director Research at the Center for International Strategic Studies, Islamabad. She holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the Department of Political Science at Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan. She also possesses M.Phil. and M.Sc. degrees from the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. Additionally, she has taught BS and Master’s students at the Department of Political Science at Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan. Her areas of interest include strategic studies, international relations, international nuclear politics, the nuclear non-proliferation regime, arms control and disarmament, as well as traditional and non-traditional security issues.

Dr Bilal Zubair

Director Research

Dr. Bilal Zubair has worked as an Assistant Professor at the National Defence University Islamabad and Lecturer at the National University of Science and Technology. He holds a Ph.D. and M. Phil. in International Relations from Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad. Dr. Zubair is author of the book Chinese Soft Power and Public Diplomacy in the United States (Palgrave Macmillan, 2024) and contributed to several journal articles and book chapters focusing on soft power, diplomacy, and China’s role in international relations.

His research has been published in various academic journals, and he has presented at international conferences Dr. Zubair has also been an active reviewer and editorial board member. His professional interests include great power politics, and the role of communication in global diplomacy.