Jonathon Riley DSO Phd MA, Honorary Associate

As a serving officer, being associated with CDiSS in an honorary capacity brings several important advantages. It provides an independent forum for the exchange of ideas between those involved with defence and security, whether they be from a military, law enforcement, policy, academic or humanitarian background. Because it is independent, it can be truly objective, free from the constraints that might be imposed were it to operate under official aegis. Its research and advice - although at times uncomfortable – is therefore invaluable. Its publications stimulate debate. Its network is international. And because it is both independent and not-for-profit, its programmes can focus on novel, cutting edge solutions to current and future issues.

Chris Parker MBE, Honorary Programme Leader

I consider CDiSS to be the emerging force in the Defence and Security debate world-wide and I am delighted to be increasingly associated with it.  The key significance is the ‘not-for-profit’ independence which so clearly allows debate and free thought unfettered by official constraint or commercial lobbying.  This is truly refreshing in an environment that needs intellectual comment more than ever.  The appeal of CDiSS is impressive as it is global yet focussed, whilst always remaining topical and agile.  The intellectual ‘think-tank’ role is very important to CDiSS as it allows professional, international, stimulating debate across a range of topical Defence and Security areas.  I can not think of another means of generating such high quality, free debate irrespective of the position of the voice and I would urge those who think deeply about such important global issues to monitor the growing influence of CDiSS.