English

CSSS Rationale and Objectives

Rationale

Maldives faces multifaceted safety and security challenges, including climate change, sea level rise, and transnational crimes such as terrorism, drug trafficking, maritime piracy, human trafficking, and weapons trafficking. These threats necessitate advanced strategies and innovative technologies. As a small island nation with a vast ocean territory, Maldives relies heavily on tourism and fisheries for economic stability. The safety and security of land and ocean domains are critical for maintaining economic growth and daily operations in these fields and across communities.

Traditionally, Maldives has depended on defence and national security institutions to address military and non-traditional threats. Today, security issues and operations have evolved to emphasise interagency collaboration for effective national security provision. The Government plays a crucial role in aligning national interests with regional and international security frameworks, influencing strategic policies. To enhance decision-making and policy development, establishing a research centre dedicated to national security and strategic analysis is pivotal, fostering research and knowledge development to support comprehensive security and defence policies.

Objectives

CSSS is a holistic platform aimed at enhancing security capabilities in the Maldives through a whole-of-nation and whole-of-government approach. Its mission involves promoting an understanding of national security interests among various actors, supporting nation-building efforts led by the Maldives National University, and conducting rigorous research on security matters. CSSS facilitates skill-building and knowledge development through teaching, seminars, and university education, while also engaging at national, regional, and international levels to align Maldives’ security interests within the regional security architecture. CSSS strives to harmonise and integrate foundational principles of national security across relevant entities, including local and domestic institutions involved in security-related activities.