The Institute for National Security Studies is an independent Israeli research institute and think tank affiliated with Tel Aviv University dealing in areas of national security matters such as military and strategic affairs, terrorism and low intensity conflict, military balance in the Middle East, and cyber warfare. Headed by former IDF Military Intelligence Chief, General Amos Yadlin, INSS research is published worldwide including in books, academic articles, news media, and used by government officials. INSS holds seminars and conferences in various fields of strategic affairs such as the annual Defensive Cyber Intelligence Security conference and Aerial Threat Seminar. Additionally, INSS publishes peer reviewed journals including Military and Strategic Affairs. In the University of Pennsylvania's 2019 Global Go ToThink Tanks Report, INSS was ranked as the best think tank in the Middle East and North Africa. Among all think tanks worldwide, it ranked 12th among "Top Defense and National Security Think Tanks". The institute's study "The History of Israeli-Palestinian Negotiations" was among the list of "Best Policy Study/Report Produced by a Think Tank" for the 2013-2014 term.
History
Originally, INSS was founded as the Center for Strategic Studies in 1977, as part of Tel Aviv University. GeneralAharon Yariv, former IDF Military Intelligence Chief, 1964–1972, was the founding father of Center for Strategic Studies and headed the Institute until his death in 1994. The Center served as a pioneer in redefining the field of Israeli security studies and producing research in the fields of defense and national security that began being used by academic and policy makers. In 1983, the Center changed its name to the Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies, following a donation from Melvin Jaffee who resided in California. In October 2006, the Jaffee Center changed its name to the Institute for National Security Studies, after INSS was officially granted independence from the Tel Aviv University and became an affiliate. Additionally, the contribution from Frank Lowy, INSS transferred to renovated building near Tel Aviv University on Haim Levanon Street 40, Tel Aviv. Currently the head of INSS is Major General Amos Yadlin.
Research programs
INSS is a publisher and conducts research in a variety of areas, specializing on issues relevant to the national security. The results of INSS work are published in books, articles, special reports and memos. Most of the publications are published in Hebrew and English. They are distributed in print to subscribers, sent via hardcopy to key decision makers in the Israeli government, as well as uploaded electronically to INSS website. Likewise, the Institute hosts seminars and conferences on various security topics. Open to the public, the conferences are taken and recorded, allowing anyone to watch them online.
Chechic Award
The Chechic Award is given annually for the most outstanding research in security studies.
