About CSS

The Centre for Seapower and Strategy (CSS) – formerly Dartmouth Centre for Seapower and Strategy (DCSS) – was established to meet the clear and growing need to raise knowledge, awareness and understanding of strategic and defence issues as they relate to maritime affairs and the use of seapower in the 21st century. 

Contemporary strategic challenges, including the resilience of global networks, food and water security and the rise in global maritime trade, have highlighted the dependence of island nations, such as the UK and Ireland, on seapower to maintain open lines of communication, connectivity, and so economic prosperity and political stability.  

Between 2008 to 2021, the University of Plymouth established itself as a centre of excellence and success in delivering educational opportunities to naval officers and NCO professional training. This experience was complimented by colleagues within the School of Law, Criminology and Government, who utilised their expertise in strategic and defence studies as well as their professional military education. 

We undertake valuable teaching and research in order to help inform and shape security policy decision-making and generate debate across the maritime domain.