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The S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) was officially inaugurated on 1 January 2007. Prior to this, it was known as the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (IDSS), which was established 10 years earlier, on 30 July 1996. Then Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Dr Tony Tan wanted to inform policymakers of the political uncertainty in the Asia Pacific region arising from the post-Cold War era, and the possible implications of this uncertainty on Singapore’s security and defence. The late President S. R. Nathan was selected to head the institute, thanks to his vast experience in confronting geopolitical issues.

RSIS produces research on Asia Pacific Security, Multilateralism and Regionalism, Conflict Studies, Non-Traditional Security, International Political Economy, and Country and Region Studies. RSIS'​ activities are aimed at assisting policymakers to develop comprehensive approaches to strategic thinking on issues related to security and stability in the Asia Pacific.