The Center for Security Studies (CSS) represents IDM’s specialized academic department, whose work is led by experienced researchers and scholars in an effort to promote excellence of research, policy options and security sector reforming processes. Through this Center, IDM aims to build a sound framework of resources to offer assistance and expertise to the design and implementation of security policies, as well as to the overall advancement of security sectors institutions’ capacities in compliance with contemporary trends of security studies. The establishment of the CSS follows an almost eight year continuous involvement (2000 - 2008) of the Institute for Democracy and Mediation in advancing security sector policies, institutions and governance, through specific projects and programmes focusing at contemporary challenges to national and regional security, based on a comprehensive perception of security that involves political, economic, socio-cultural and other dimensions.

The Center for Security Studies will employ an educational and problem-solving approach to encourage informed debate on security sector developments, recognizing and building upon the multi-dimensional perspective of regional security, while simultaneously acknowledging the importance of attaining strategic goals of integration in EU and NATO structures. Efforts encouraging groundbreaking research on security matters and developments will be an adjunct to activities that promote, advocate for and disseminate the acquired know-how and expertise in this field regionally.