HCSS is a knowledge institute that conducts independent research on geopolitical, defence & security issues. Our goal is to offer fact-based analysis of the challenges that our societies face in order to inform public discourse, public and private strategic decision making and contribute to international and national security in accordance with liberal democratic values.
What we do
HCSS conducts its activities independently and in collaboration with its large network of affiliated experts. Our products are diverse: full-fledged reports, issue briefs and quick topic reports. These products include strategic surveys, innovative policy recommendations, trend and scenario analyses, risk assessments, geopolitical and regional security analyses, conflict analyses, operational evaluations and identification of lessons learned.
What we can do for you
We aim to make sense of the world around us, and turn specialized research into actionable recommendations. We are committed to high standards of service, quality products, and scientifically grounded advice that meet the needs of our clients. We value close cooperation with our clients throughout a project.
Some of our products
- Full-fledged studies, papers and reports;
- Short issue briefs and factsheets;
- Substantive input for white papers or business strategies;
- In-house brainstorm or information sessions;
- Lectures and panel events;
- Expert discussions for policy-makers on strategic issues.
Who we work for
HCSS works for public and private sector clients. For governments, national and international, we provide our entire range of services. The ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence are among our regular customers. For private sector customers (commercial and non-commercial organizations and associations) , we translate our strategic orientation to the business environment in order to contribute to their immediate goals and activities. These firms can be located in all possible sectors. In addition, we also engage and cooperate with think tanks and academic institutions worldwide.
Our Staff
HCSS has a small but dedicated international staff of around 25 people. Many of them are graduates from major universities in the US, France, the UK, the Netherlands and elsewhere. Together, they contribute in-depth expertise in political science, law, sociology, history, management sciences, economics, statistics and area studies, as well as language skills covering Dutch, English, French, German, Russian, Italian and Mandarin Chinese. Apart from the in-house staff, HCSS also has a network of highly professional non-resident subject matter experts.
History
The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS) was established in 2007 as an independent think tank. The founder, Prof. dr. Rob de Wijk started this organization with a small team of senior experts and analysts drawn from organisations such as the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), RAND, Clingendael, the Dutch Ministry of Defence and the United Nations.