The Center of Strategic Studies was created in 2013 at the University of Anbar and is related to the office of the President of the University. The center's primary function is research, and both theoretical and applied research is done there. The center has an annual research plan that is modified every three months. The center's quorum of researchers conducts three to five annual researches. The center carries out research and studies on matters pertaining to security, promoting political stability, and current crucial problems on the global stage. The center contains three scientific departments: the Department of Heritage and Civilization, the Department of Local and Regional Studies, and the Department of Future Studies. On May 23, 2016, Prof. Dr. Thaer Shaker Mahmoud was chosen to lead the center. A council that includes the director of the center, a representative of the provincial council, and the heads of the center's scientific departments oversees the management of the facility, the council is chaired by the University of Anbar president.