Žerotínovo nám. 9, 601 77 Brno

Phone: ++420–5–42 128 339

At the beginning of 1999, the Institute of Strategic Studies was established at Masaryk University. Based on the founding documents, the Institute is a university-wide, professional and training centre, which participates in MU’s educational activities. The main task of the Institute is the processing of review and prognostic materials in the field of politics, sociology, social psychology, demography, economics, ecology, military, interiour and exterior security and legislation of the Czech Republic and its neighbouring countries. The Institute implements the following activities:

• academic, research and development work including publication activities
• projects based on individual grants
• processing of overviews and prognostic materials based on individual orders
• solving of problems in co-operation with the School of Social Studies and other MU faculties, Military Academy and other institutions
• post-graduate studies
• holding of educational courses
• holding of conferences and seminars

The Rector appointed as Director of the Institute, Prof. Dr. Eduard Schmidt, who – based on the selection proceedings – appointed as the Institute’s Head Mgr. Ivo Lukáš. At the same time, the Academic Council of the Institute was appointed.

The Institute has established contacts with partner institutions abroad. Together with the University of Dresden and Jagellon University (Krakow), it takes part in the Central European Forum for Security and Co-operation project. In the framework of this project, a conference was held in Dresden in May 1999, in which the Institute participated. Financing of this project is provided by the Institute itself; the project is also supported by the US Embassy. The Institute puts great stress on the establishing of close contacts with King’s College, London, co-operation initiated at a meeting of the Czech Minister of Defence, Mr. Vetchý, with the British Minister of Defence, Mr. Robertson.

In the middle of the year 1999, the Institute published the first issue of a journal titled Analýzy & Studie (Analysis & Studies). It analyses international politics, focuses on the subject of interior internal security, and publishes materials relevant for academics with an interest in Czech foreign policy and international politics with regard to the development of the Czech Republic. The journal also publishes various analysis and translations, and processes important documents from abroad. The journal strives to present the work of the Institute to the general public, and find professionals operating in this field. In 1999, three issues (preliminary, first and second) were published, next year ten issues are planned.

The Institute has its own www pages, which provide information concerning the Institute, various news stories and summaries of articles published in the journal, all in Czech and English versions.

At the end of November, the Institute of Strategic Studies together with the Deans and Vice-deans of MU faculties, held a seminar on the creation of an inventory of priority subjects, which will serve for the preparation of a long-term plan for the Institute.

With regard to its wide range of activities, the Institute pays due attention to the acquisition of additional funds and support from outside the University. The Results of these activities will become known in the next year.