Introduction

The S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) is a global graduate school and think tank focusing on strategic studies and security affairs. Its five Research Centres and three Research Programmes, led by the Office of the Executive Deputy Chairman, and assisted by the Dean on the academic side, drive the School’s research, education and networking activities.

The graduate school offers Master of Science Programmes in Strategic Studies, International Relations, International Political Economy and Asian Studies. As a school, RSIS fosters a nurturing environment to develop students into first-class scholars and practitioners.

As a think tank, RSIS conducts policy-relevant and forward-looking research in both national and international security, science and technology, society and economic and environmental sustainability. RSIS also produces academic research on security and international affairs. It publishes scholarly research in top-tier academic journals and leading university presses, and distributes policy research in a timely manner to a wide range of readers. Relevant RSIS research contributes to rule-making and norm-setting in cyber domain and digitalisation. RSIS works closely with other academic institutions and partners including international and regional organisations, global think tanks as well as national agencies to conduct policy relevant research in various areas of interest.

Research in RSIS covers these main areas:

The Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (IDSS) comprises nine research programmes, namely: China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maritime Security, Military Studies, Military Transformations, Regional Security Architecture, South Asia, and the United States. The Military Studies Programme focuses on professional military education for the Singapore Armed Forces.
The International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research (ICPVTR) focuses on politically motivated violence and terrorism.
The Centre of Excellence for National Security (CENS) covers cyber and homeland defence, radicalisation studies and social resilience.
The Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies (NTS Centre) researches into climate change, resilience and sustainable development; energy security; food security; health security; peace, human security and development; and water security.
The Centre for Multilateralism Studies (CMS) focuses on capacity-building; diplomatic and security multilateralism; economic multilateralism; and international political economy.
The Studies in Inter-Religious Relations in Plural Societies (SRP) Programme focuses on religious peace-building in plural societies; new developments in inter-religious relations from different religious perspectives; tolerance and coexistence in the historical religious traditions; and Singapore’s model of managing social cohesion.
The National Security Studies Programme (NSSP) conducts research into key episodes of Singapore’s national security history and security challenges facing small, globalised, multi-ethnic city-states.
The Social Cohesion Research Programme (SCRP) examines social cohesion with the view to advancing policy-oriented research, forging strategic partnerships, and developing leadership to inspire cohesive and resilient societies.
The Future Issues and Technology (FIT) cluster focuses on emerging issues where science and technology intersect with national security.

RSIS researchers participate in deliberations at significant global and regional discussions on strategic and international affairs, such as the Council of Councils meetings (for which RSIS is the sole Singaporean member), Trilateral Commission Conferences, and Shangri-La Dialogues.

Vision

To be the premier global graduate school and pre-eminent think tank in strategic studies and international affairs, offering unique Asian perspectives.

Mission

RSIS is a global graduate school and think-tank focusing on strategic studies and security affairs.

As a school, we foster a nurturing environment to develop our students into first-class scholars and practitioners.

As a think tank, we conduct policy-relevant and forward-looking research in both national and international security, science and technology, society, and economic and environmental sustainability.

We respect, build and maintain enduring relationships with our stakeholders and our international networks. We embrace integrity and collaboration; and strive for excellence in our work.

Values

RSIS Values: Respect, Integrity, Excellence, Innovation and Collaboration

Respect and Integrity
Strive for Excellence
Innovation
Support Collaboration

Endowed Professorships

RSIS has four endowed professorships and a distinguished annual lecture that bring distinguished scholars to lecture, teach and conduct research at the School.