Guided by a philosophy that encourages theoretically informed empirical research in international and security studies, YCISS pursues a triple mandate of teaching, research and outreach, with an explicit interest in facilitating critical thinking among scholars and between researchers and the policy community. The center organizes seminars and conferences, undertakes collaborative research within Canada and internationally, serves as the secretariat for professional academic organizations, and provides opportunities for the publication of research findings. Research at the center falls within four themes. Strategic Studies covers issues that traditionally lie at the heart of strategic/defense studies: Canadian defense policy, North Atlantic security cooperation, the global arms trade, arms control, nonproliferation, confidence-building and verification measures. Political Economy of Security explores the linkages between economics and security issues in the changing global order, covering new forms of conflict arising from economic globalization, the political economy of international security cooperation, the relationship between economic development, interdependence and security, and the economic tools of conflict management. Regional Conflict focuses on the regionalization of conflict in the post-Cold War period, the problem of post-conflict peace-building, the role of humanitarian intervention in regional conflicts and the role of regional security institutions in conflict management. Nontraditional Analyses of Conflict and Security seeks to develop new approaches to the study of conflict and peace that go substantially beyond the conventional focus of security studies on military force and inter-state relations. It examines issues such as the social construction of security perceptions, the subjective underpinnings of security policy and the role of gender and ecological factors in security thinking.

IDRC's mandate is to initiate, support and conduct research into the problems of the developing regions of the world and the means for applying and adapting scientific, technical and other knowledge to the economic and social advancement of those regions. The center aims to assist scientists in developing countries to identify sustainable long-term, practical solutions to pressing development problems; to mobilize and strengthen the research capacity of developing countries, particularly capacity for policies and technologies that promote healthier and more prosperous societies, food security, biodiversity and access to information; to develop links among researchers in developing countries and provide them access to the results of research around the globe, particularly by developing and strengthening the electronic networking capacity of institutions in developing countries that receive IDRC funding; and to ensure that products from the activities it supports are used by communities in the developing world and that existing research capacity is used effectively to solve development problems. IDRC funds the work of scientists working in universities, private enterprise, government and nonprofit organizations in developing countries and provides some support to regional research networks and institutions in the Third World. This support is designed to build a corps of researchers in each country and to develop the networks of people and institutions that can undertake effective research and use the results of research to effect change.

The mandate of CIIA is to promote a deeper understanding of international affairs and of Canada's role in the world by providing members with a nonpartisan, nationwide forum for informed discussion, analysis and debate. It is the only private, voluntary organization in Canada concerned with the whole range of global issues. By bringing together all interested parties-the private sector, government, academia, NGO representatives and the concerned public-to examine global issues through a distinctively Canadian lens, the institute contributes a unique perspective on Canada's place in the world. For over 70 years CIIA has helped Canadians obtain a better understanding of foreign policy and global issues through an extensive program of public education. As a nonprofit charitable organization, the institute is committed to building a foreign policy community and an international affairs constituency from coast to coast. It has established close relations with business, government, the media, universities, opinion leaders and like-minded institutions throughout Canada and the world. CIIA activities, publications and speakers programs help interested Canadians acquire the foreign policy and international affairs knowledge and understanding essential for individual, corporate and national success in the world today.