Established in 1973, the Institute of Strategic Studies is an autonomous, non-profit research and analyses organization. It is devoted to provide an in-depth understanding and objective analyses of regional and global strategic issues, affecting international peace and security. The Institute also promotes a broad-based and informed public understanding of vital issues affecting Pakistan and the international community as a whole.

One of the pioneers in the field, the purpose of the institute is to initiate study, discussions, research and analyses based on open and published sources of information and intelligence. It provides forum for scholars, specialists, writers and speakers for study, research and analyses of vital strategic and allied issues and the multi-disciplinary compulsions of strategy, peace, and security and various elements of national power affecting Pakistan and international community, in its historical as well as future perspective. The Institute also publishes a quarterly journal called Strategic Studies.