NIDS is re-examining the concept of security and theories of national security that form the basis of Japan's defense policy. Other points which are being researched include the new role of military strength in order to deal with such non-traditional threats, and how the transformation of the military should take place.
The National Institute for Defense Studies (NIDS) serves as the nation's sole military history research center. It conducts research on military history, and properly keeps military-historical materials.
The National Institute for Defense Studies (NIDS) provides education for civilian officials of the Ministry of Defense (MOD) and other governmental agencies, as well as senior officers of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF). The goal is to give them a broad perspective on national security.
International exchange is growing rapidly in recent years. The National Institute for Defense Studies (NIDS) has been actively involved in security dialogues with foreign countries.