Founder’s Message

Dr. Anum A. Khan
Founder & Executive Director

The field of strategic and security studies has been at the center of my academic and professional journey for over a decade. It is a field I care deeply about one that shapes how we understand power, stability, and the future of global order. From nuclear deterrence to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, the issues we engage with are complex, evolving, and increasingly consequential for all societies.

Over time, one realization became clear: while these conversations are critical, they are not always as accessible or as representative as they should be. Much of the existing discourse in international relations and strategic studies continues to be shaped by a relatively narrow set of perspectives, often limiting the range of voices, experiences, and priorities reflected in research and policy. There is, therefore, a growing need to broaden how we approach security, knowledge production, and engagement in this field.

NESST was created in response to this gap. It is an effort to contribute to a more informed, forward-looking, and inclusive discourse on security one that bridges nuclear policy, emerging technologies, cyber and space domains, and global governance frameworks, while also engaging with questions of sustainability, responsibility, and the need to re-examine established approaches to knowledge in international relations.

This journey has also been shaped by the realities of working in a field that remains largely male dominated. While opportunities to contribute exist, they are not always evenly accessible, and participation in key spaces of dialogue and decision-making is not always as open as it could be. As a women-led initiative, NESST reflects a commitment to contributing meaningfully to this field while also helping to gradually widen it through merit, credibility, and sustained engagement.

At its core, NESST reflects a commitment to making complex strategic issues more accessible without compromising analytical rigor. It seeks to connect policy, research, and wider audiences, and to encourage dialogue that is grounded, relevant, and responsive to contemporary challenges.

This is a long-term endeavor, and one that will evolve with time. It will rely on collaboration, shared ideas, and the support of a broader community that values thoughtful engagement with the most pressing security issues of our time.

NESST is a step in that direction.