The Institute of International Affairs (IIA) is a forum for dialogue between the academic community, the private sector, and public service in the area of international relations. The role of the IIA is to provide education, promote research, and carry out service projects. It aspires to serve both academic and professional needs and stimulate a general discussion on subjects relating to international affairs. To this end, the IIA plans and carries out research on various subjects and hosts conferences, seminars, and lectures concerning international relations. It offers various services to both the private and public sector, conducting surveys, writing reports, and carrying out research on a range of topics. It publishes books and papers on international relations and Icelandic foreign affairs. International cooperation and interdisciplinary discussions are important factors in the work of the IIA. Over one hundred scholars with various types of expertise participate in the work of the IIA and its centres which have ties to a number of foreign research bodies.
The Centre for Small State Studies (CSSS)
The Centre for Small State Studies (CSSS) aims to encourage research and education on the subject of small states and has established itself as one of the leading research centres in the world focusing on this theme. In 2013 the CSSS was awarded a prestigious Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence grant from the EU and has since then operated as a Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence, the first of its kind in Iceland. The centre cooperates closely with numerous institutes and academics in Europe and has published widely on small states and European integration.
Centre for Arctic Studies (CAS)
The Centre for Arctic Studies (CAS) is a forum for interdisciplinary collaboration in the field of Arctic research. The main goal of the centre is to support and conduct research both on a national and international level and to increase cooperation between academia and the the public and private sector. CAS organizes conferences, seminars and lectures on Arctic issues as well supporting teaching and offering publications in the field. CAS also coordinates the Arctic work within the University of Iceland and hosts a series of seminars to promote research findings regarding the Arctic, from all disciplines within the university. The centre is also involved in the UArctic network, on behalf of the University of Iceland.
Höfði Reykjavík Peace Centre at the University of Iceland
Höfði Reykjavík Peace Centre, a collaborative effort of the City of Reykjavik and the University of Iceland, is a forum for international multidisciplinary cooperation, with an emphasis on the role of small states, cities and citizens in promoting peace. It is run under the auspices of the Institute of International Affairs (IIA) at the University of Iceland. The creation of Höfði Reykjvík Peace Centre provides the IIA with the opportunity of expanding its research areas, which has led to more emphasis on the challenges now facing modern societies, such as climate change, immigration and refugee issues, increased diversity, as well as rising nationalism and populism in the mainstream discourse.
Person responsible: Professor Baldur Thorhallsson