Zurich, Switzerland 30 May - 1 June 2011

Background of the ISF

ISF 2011

The International Security Forum (ISF) was launched as the Institutes and Security Dialogue in Zurich in 1994 and has since been at the forefront of cooperation among international security professionals around the world.

The Center for Security Studies (CSS) and the International Relations and Security Network (ISN) have played a key role in that process, together with:

 

The main financial contribution to the ISF comes from the Swiss Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affair (FDFA).

The ISF has established itself as a forum for discussing ways to increase communication and cooperation between institutions engaged in research related to international security in Europe, North America, and beyond. Over the years, the ISF has brought together hundreds of researchers, academics, civil servants, military officials, and media representatives from some 50 countries. The conference is biennial and is held alternately in Zurich and Geneva. Due to the success of the ISF, the Swiss government continues to support the conference cycle with its international co-sponsors and partners. The ISF cycle has the following specific objectives:

  • To create a platform for discussion and an exchange of views on academic, military, and practical aspects of security policy;
  • To discuss humanitarian aspects of security policy and to encourage dialogue with humanitarian organizations;
  • To promote practical cooperation between the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) member states;
  • To encourage professional education and the free flow of information on issues relating to international security; and,
  • To foster an international and multidisciplinary dialogue that will identify future issues and trends in international security.

 

Past Conferences