International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)
The International Institute for Strategic Studies is an independent think tank on international security, military affairs and conflict. It serves governments, armed forces, industry and researchers.
At a glance
- Entity level
- Organisation
- Type
- Non-profit or think tank
- Also known as
- International Institute for Strategic Studies
- Flagship output
- The Military Balance (latest: The Military Balance 2026, February 2026)
- Category
- Systemic & global risk reports
- Also covers
- Geopolitical & political risk
- Tier
- Tier 1: Think tank with recurring forward-looking security surveys
- Headquarters
- London, United Kingdom
- Coverage
- Global security, armed conflict, military balance
- Public access
- Mixed
- Latest activity seen
- 26 Feb 2026
- Evidence
- Active in 2025 to 26
How it produces intelligence
In-house analysts compiling country-by-country military capability and defence-spending data, plus expert assessments of conflicts and strategic trends.
Risk themes
Focus regions
Links
What it publishes
| Output | Type | Cadence | Latest edition | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Military Balance | Dataset | Annual | The Military Balance 2026 | Feb 2026 | Visit site |
| Strategic Survey | Annual outlook | Annual | Visit site | ||
| Armed Conflict Survey | Annual outlook | Annual | Visit site |
Latest findings
Recent public risk calls by International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), summarised in our own words. They are its views, not 311's. Follow each source for the original.
Global defence spending reached about US$2.63 trillion in 2025, up 2.5%, a slower rise than in the years after Russia's 2022 invasion.
26 Feb 2026 · Horizon: 2025 data · Source: Vatican News on IISS Military Balance 2026European spending rose roughly 12.6%, lifting Europe's share of world defence spending above 21% from 17% in 2022, with Germany a leading driver.
26 Feb 2026 · Horizon: 2025 data · Source: Vatican News on IISS Military Balance 2026China accounts for close to 44% of Asian military expenditure; Russian spending is still rising but much more slowly.
26 Feb 2026 · Horizon: 2025 data · Source: Vatican News on IISS Military Balance 2026US growth paused in 2025, but proposals including Golden Dome missile defence aim to push US spending above US$1 trillion in 2026.
26 Feb 2026 · Horizon: 2026 · Source: Vatican News on IISS Military Balance 2026
Organisations doing similar work
Questions about International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)
What is International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)?
The International Institute for Strategic Studies is an independent think tank on international security, military affairs and conflict. It serves governments, armed forces, industry and researchers.
How does International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) produce its intelligence?
In-house analysts compiling country-by-country military capability and defence-spending data, plus expert assessments of conflicts and strategic trends.
Where is International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) based?
International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) is based in London, United Kingdom.
What does International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) cover?
Its work covers conflict & security, geopolitics, technology & ai, with a focus on Global.
Profile compiled by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit from public sources. Last checked 21 Oct 2026. Listing is not a ranking or an endorsement. Evidence source. Is this your organisation? Request a correction.