Institut für Friedensforschung und Sicherheitspolitik an der Universität Hamburg (IFSH)

The IFSH is an independent, non-profit civil law foundation based in Hamburg with an office in Berlin. Since its founding in 1971, the institute has conducted interdisciplinary research on the conditions of peace and security at global, regional, and local levels. An international team of political scientists, historians, geographers, and legal scholars analyzes current security policy challenges – from arms control and new weapon technologies to hybrid warfare and propaganda, as well as conflict mediation and resilience promotion. The results are published in the form of studies, policy briefs, and public events and are directly incorporated into advisory and decision-making processes within the federal government, the Bundestag, and international organizations.

Our mission is to contribute to sustainable peace and stability through independent, interdisciplinary research and socially relevant analyses. We combine fundamental scientific research with practice-oriented knowledge transfer, advise policymakers and public administration, and support the next generation of scholars. In doing so, we place great value on free research, freedom of publication, and dialogue with the media, civil society, and educational institutions.

The IFSH primarily targets political decision-makers at the national and international levels (Federal Government, Bundestag, ministries, EU, OSCE, NATO), specialist audiences and media conveying security policy topics, as well as students and researchers in the field of Peace and Security Studies. Additionally, we are involved in the continuing education of practitioners (e.g., Federal Foreign Office, NGOs) and in academic teaching (Master’s program in Peace and Security Studies).