ICDS' mission is to:

• Contribute to Estonia’s security, defence and foreign policy-making by identifying and analysing challenges to national security and defence  and proposing policy solutions;

• Sharpen strategic thinking in NATO and the EU on security issues that affect the Nordic-Baltic region by offering timely and high-quality research, analysis and policy recommendations;

• Contribute to enhancing Estonia’s intellectual role within NATO and the EU by developing forward-looking and innovative policy ideas and strategic solutions for the common European and transatlantic security, defence and foreign policy agenda;

• Raise public awareness and stimulate public debate on security, defence and foreign policy matters in Estonia and abroad.