Centre of International Studies, University of Cambridge

The Centre of International Studies (CIS) is part of the Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS) at the University of Cambridge.

Aims

According to its website, the CIS aims to "develop our role as advisers to Government departments, corporations, non-governmental organisations and the media in policy areas where our expertise and the outcomes of our research can influence decision-making in the real world." Through the centre's doctoral programme, "we are in the business of developing future leaders, whose insight and understanding of strategic issues can contribute directly to improved international relations, the resolution of long-standing conflicts, the protection of human rights, and better living conditions in all regions of the world."

History

The centre was founded in the late 1970s by Professor Sir Harry Hinsley, the official historian of British Intelligence in the Second World War, and Professor Clive Parry. The Ministry of Defence was an early supporting of the centre, funding two lectureships, first held by Corelli Barnett and Philip Towle, for a ten-year period.

According to Marko Attila Hoare, the Cambridge academics who founded the Henry Jackson Society in March 2005 were mostly affiliated with the centre.

In January 2009, the Centre of International Studies merged with the Department of Politics to form the Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS). Brendan Simms became director of the centre on 1 October 2009.