Defense Studies Programmes

The Institute conducts its own programmes of Roundtables, and Research Roundtables, as well as Conferences and Research Conferences. The distinction between the two Roundtable and Conference forms is usually one of size, with the Research activities being smaller; and of focus, with the Research activities being more specialist oriented.
 

In certain cases, the text of speaker's presentations at Roundtables and/or Research Roundtables will be published as The General Sir William Otter Papers, whereas texts presented at Conferences will be published in the Proceedings of those conferences.

The research is to be carried out in a number of ways, including by:

(a) in-house staff;
(b) research fellows and analysts appointed by the Institute (but employed elsewhere);
(c) university faculty, assisted by students;
(d) members of the Department of National Defence; and
(e) joint ventures and collaboration with other institutions, where appropriate.

The overwhelming need, in defence studies, for all researchers and their research is a means of dissemination. The Institute will distribute the results of its research activities, to assist its members and the public to arrive at their own informed conclusions. Some items will be distributed free of charge; and other items (e.g. major books) will have to be paid for. The results of the Institute's research will be disseminated in a number of ways, including:

(i) publication in single topic research papers. For ease of distribution and minimal cost, these papers would be two to eight pages in length; would have a distinctive name and guise; may include footnotes and bibliographies; and may provide source references for the purpose of obtaining additional information.

(ii) publication in major-topic research books or booklets, allowing a more comprehensive presentation about the topic. These books or booklets could take different forms, from slim booklets up to 150 pages or more. The intention is to publish at least two books or booklets per year, and they could include the Proceedings and/or Heritage and Otter Papers.

(iii) presentation of research results at conferences and seminars conducted by other organizations.

(iv) publication on the website of the Institute, with links to other websitessharing the national and international security agenda.

(a) seeking working relationships with university faculties and schools dealing with history, political science, public administration, policy studies, strategic studies, and international relations and foreign policy, and organizations similar to the Institute, so that the interaction will enhance the research product and publications of the Institute;

(b) seeking working relationships with other organizations, so that the communications efforts may be leveraged;

(c) using research fellows, analysts and student interns to do research papers;

(d) enhancing its public communications and outreach activities by making presentations to interested groups at their locations and developing SITREP, a bi-monthly publication, to communicate with members and other interested persons;

(e) using e-mail and website to distributed material to members and other interested persons; and

(f) media releases, media advisories and press conferences where appropriate.