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Origins of the CISS
In the early 1960s, it was apparent that strategic studies research centres were proliferating around the world, although not in Canada. Canadian security experts expressed concern about the apparent indifference on the part of Canadians and their governments regarding matters of security and sovereignty, warning that the latter part of the 20th century promised to be one of international instability, and that Canadians would inevitably be affected.
They recommended the establishment of an institute which would facilitate an understanding of "the inner workings [of war] so that international violence can be...controlled." Such an institute would explore a broad range of subjects, such as arms control and disarmament; the financial and military implications for peacekeeping and peace-restoration operations; the nature and consequences of international conflict; identification of potential threats to Canadian interests; and Canada's security priorities. The proposed institute would serve as a centre of expertise for government officials, scholars, and the public. It would promote much-needed and heretofore limited public debate and informed discussion among Canadians on strategic issues.
In August 1974, the founding committee of what was to become the Canadian Institute of Strategic Studies held its initial meeting, at the Royal Canadian Military Institute in Toronto, under the chairmanship of Brigadier-General George G. Bell. Two years later, the Institute was established.
In October 1976, the CISS conducted its first seminar, held in Toronto, entitled "Is the Canadian Military Relevant?" In his opening remarked at that seminar, BGen Bell announced the aims and purposes of the new institute:
The Institute is in no way intended to be a lobby for narrow military interests, or any other. Our hope is that it will attract membership from a wide range of concerned citizens -- individuals, professionals, academics and those from business institutions, private organizations, public and private agencies and various levels of government. We want a body that will supply a cross-section of views and opinions in our society. It should be composed of persons prepared to devote time and resources to encourage discussion, promote public interest and disseminate information, to enhance Canadian knowledge of strategic issues and defence activities.
In 1994, the CISS was approached by the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) about establishing and running an international peacekeeping training centre on the grounds of the former CFB Cornwallis in Nova Scotia. The centre would serve the needs of the "New Peacekeeping Partnership," which is a term applied to those individuals and organizations that work together to improve the effectiveness of modern peacekeeping operations. The Pearson Peacekeeping Centre (PPC) officially opened on 24 April 1995 and was an important division of the Institute until its separation in early 2002.
Since its establishment, the CISS has become one of the foremost sources of independent, reliable information on Canadian foreign, security, and defence policy. Through the support of its members, private donors, and the generous support of the Government of Canada, the Institute has developed a solid public information program comprising two annual public seminars, a series of regular publications, student programs, and a number of study visits and other events each year. In addition, it fills many requests for media commentary on matter of strategic significance to Canada.
