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Organizational Status: Independent institute, founded in 1950.
Background/Scope: The institute is a global forum for leveraging the power of leaders to improve the human condition. Through its seminar and policy programs, it fosters enlightened, morally responsible leadership and convenes leaders and policy makers to address the foremost challenges of the new century. The Aspen Institute is a nonprofit organization with principal offices in Aspen, Colorado; Chicago, Illinois; Washington, DC, and on the Wye River on Maryland's Eastern Shore. The institute operates internationally through a network of partners in Europe and Asia
Association on Third World Affairs, Inc. (ATWA)
1629 K Street NW - Suite 802, Washington, DC 20006, USA
tel:1-202 331 8455 fax:1-202 234 3201
e-mail:info@atwa.org
Organizational Status: Independent NGO, founded in 1967.
Background/Scope: ATWA, a nonprofit organization, seeks to provide all possible information and ideas on important and controversial subjects of great current interest. This is done mainly through Capitol Hill conferences-about four per year -which bring together members of Congress and staff, foreign ambassadors and other policy makers and opinion leaders. More specialized seminars are also held at embassies and other places, occasionally in cooperation with other organizations. ATWA publishes reports of all conferences and occasional papers.
Areas of Research: International politics, diplomacy, security and economic issues, foreign relations, security and defense, political issues, development studies, regional studies.
Geographic Focus: Asia, Central and eastern Europe
Atlas Economic Research Foundation
4084 University Drive-Suite 103, Fairfax, VA 22030-6812, USA
tel:1-703 934 6969 fax:1-703 352 7530
e-mail:atlas@atlasUSA.org
Organizational Status: Independent institute, founded in 1981.
Background/Scope: Atlas was established to support, develop, advise and assist in the growth of free-market public policy institutes around the world. It builds upon years of work in the free-market community by its founder, Sir Antony Fisher, who was originally motivated by F.A. Hayek's book, The Road to Serfdom. Fisher feared that people were increasingly turning to government to solve society's `ills.' Hayek advised Fisher that the best way to combat this trend was to teach the world's opinion leaders about the real causes and effects of economic and social problems. Fisher found that the best way to do this was through public policy institutes that produce publications illustrating free-market perspectives about current problems, concerns and solutions. Today, the foundation collaborates with approximately 200 different think tanks worldwide, many of which it supported and guided early on. These efforts lead to publications, programs, seminars, conferences and media programs that enhance public understanding of free-market societies.
Areas of Research: Economic issues, education, social issues, environment and natural resources, development studies, communications and information, culture and religion, health and welfare, industry policy, labor and human resource development, regional studies. As Atlas seeks to strengthen the work of other think tanks and does not conduct its own research, these represent areas of interest.
Geographic Focus: International.
Berkeley Roundtable on the International Economy (BRIE)
2234 Piedmont Avenue No 2322, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
tel:1-510 642 3067 fax:1-510 643 6617
e-mail:brie@socrates.berkeley.edu
Organizational Status: University-affiliated institute, founded in 1981.
Background/Scope: BRIE is an interdisciplinary research project that focuses on the interactions of international economic competition and the development and application of advanced technologies. Founded by a group of faculty at the University of California, Berkeley, the roundtable became one of the earliest intellectual voices debating government policy and business strategy in America. BRIE's research concentrates on the different ways industrialized economies create competitive advantage and how these differences affect international economic and political relations. The roundtable simultaneously seeks to understand how America can sustain its own economic development and maintain leadership. Bringing together UC faculty, business leaders and scholars from around the world, BRIE continues to develop new approaches to understanding the rapidly changing global economy.
Areas of Research:Political issues, economic issues, industry policy, communi-cations and information, science and technology.
Geographic Focus: Domestic, international, particularly EU.
The Brookings Institution (BI)
1775 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036-2188, USA
tel:1-202-797 6000 fax:1-202-797 6004
e-mail:communications@brookings.edu
Organizational Status: Independent institute, founded in 1916.
Background/Scope: In its research, the institution functions as an independent analyst and critic, committed to publishing its findings for the information of the public. In its conferences and activities, it serves as a bridge between scholarship and public policy, bringing new knowledge to the attention of decision makers and affording scholars a better insight into public policy issues. The institution traces its beginnings to the founding of the Institute for Government Research, the first private organization devoted to public policy issues at the national level. In 1922 and 1924, the institute was joined by two supporting sister organizations, the Institute of Economics and the Robert Brookings Graduate School. In 1927, these three groups were consolidated into one institution, named in honor of Robert Somers Brookings (1850-1932), a St. Louis businessman whose leadership shaped the earlier organizations. Brookings scholars pursue more than 85 research projects at any given time. About 50 new books a year provide extensive background and insight on important public policy issues in business, economics, government and international affairs.
Areas of Research: Economics, politics, government, foreign policy.
Geographic Focus: Domestic, international.
Carnegie Council on Ethics and International Affairs (CCEIA)
Merrill House, 170 East 64th Street, New York, NY 10021-7496, USA
tel:1-212 838 4120 fax:1-212 752 2432
e-mail:info@cceia.org
Organizational Status: Independent NGO, founded in 1914.
Background/Scope: Founded by Andrew Carnegie, CCEIA is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to research and education in the field of ethics and international affairs. The purpose of the council is to promote a greater understanding of the values and conditions that enable peaceful relations among nations. As a prominent national and international voice, it brings intellectual distinction and integrity to the idea that the moral dimension of international affairs needs to be understood along with political, economic and security considerations. CCEIA has attempted to define the field of ethics and international affairs by breaking it down into manageable units suitable for discussion and study. The council's research and studies program emphasizes themes that have a timeless quality and can be related directly and concretely to current `post-Cold War' policy concerns. All of these topics share three characteristics: They represent a sphere where power and principle interact, involve an issue where fundamental aspects of human decency and justice are at stake, and represent an area where the council believes it can make a significant contribution to the existing knowledge of the issue.
Areas of Research: War and peace, human rights, environmental protection, global economic development/distributive justice, globalization of trade, ethics and commercial policy, the future of democracy and democratic values, ethics and US foreign policy, religion and politics, ethics and the military, media and international politics.
Geographic Focus: International
The Carter Center
One Copenhill, 453 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30307, USA
tel:1-404 420 5100 fax:1-404 420 5196
e-mail:carterweb@emory.edu
Organizational Status: University affiliated institute, founded in 1982.
Background/Scope: The center, in partnership with Emory University, is guided by a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering; it seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health. While its programs may change, the center is guided by five principles: 1) It emphasizes action and results. Based on careful research and analysis, the center is prepared to take timely action on important and pressing issues. 2) It does not duplicate the effective efforts of others. 3) It addresses difficult problems and recognizes the possibilities of failure as an acceptable risk. 4) It is nonpartisan and acts as a neutral party in dispute resolution activities. 5) It believes that people can improve their lives when provided with the necessary skills, knowledge and access to resources. The Carter Center collaborates with other organizations, public and private, in carrying out its mission.
Areas of Research: Health, conflict resolution, democratization, development, the Americas, human rights.
Geographic Focus: International, particularly US and Africa.
Cato Institute
1000 Massachusets Ave. NW, Washington DC 20001-5403, USA
tel:1-202 842 0200 fax:1-202 842 3490
e-mail:cato@cato.org
Organizational Status: Independent institute, founded in 1977.
Background/Scope: The institute is a nonpartisan public policy research foundation named for CatoÕs Letters, libertarian pamphlets that helped lay the philosophical foundation for the American Revolution. The institute seeks to broaden the parameters of public policy debate to allow consideration of more options that are consistent with the traditional American principles of limited government, individual liberty and peace. Toward that goal, it strives to achieve greater involvement of the intelligent, concerned lay public in questions of policy and the proper role of government.
Areas of Research: Economic issues, foreign relations, health and welfare, science and technology, development studies, environment and natural resources.
Geographic Focus: Domestic, international.
Center for Defense Information (CDI)
1779 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Suite 615, Washington, DC 20036, USA
tel:1-202 332 0600 fax:1-202 462 4559
e-mail:cdi@igc.apc.org
Organizational Status: independent NGO, founded in 1972.
Background/Scope: CDI was founded by Rear Admiral Gene R. La Rocque (US Navy, retired) and other retired senior officers to serve as an independent monitor of the military. It has established a national reputation for expertise on all matters relating to US military and foreign policy, spending and weapons. To encourage the intellectual freedom of the staff, the center does not hold organizational positions on public policy issues.
Areas of Research: Security and defense, foreign relations, economic, political, social issues, development studies, communications and information, environment.
Geographic Focus: International.
Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE)
1155 15th Street, Suite 700, Washington, DC 2005, USA
tel:1-202 721 9200 fax:1-202 721 9250
e-mail:cipe@cipe.org
Organizational Status: Independent NGO, founded in 1983.
Background/Scope: CIPE, an affiliate of the US Chamber of Commerce, works to build democracy and market economies throughout the world. It is active in four principal areas: a grants program currently supporting over 90 indigenous organizations in developing countries, an award-winning communications strategy, training programs and technical assistance through field offices. Since its inception, the center has funded more than 700 projects in 80 countries and has conducted management training programs throughout the world.
Areas of Research: Economic issues, social issues, political and economic reform, democracy, markets.
Geographic Focus: Developing countries.
Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS)
1800 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006, USA
tel:1-202 887 0200 fax:1-202 775 3199
e-mail:ehirano@csis.org
Organizational Status: Independent institute, founded in 1962.
Background/Scope: CSIS is a private, tax-exempt institution, and its research is nonpartisan and nonproprietary. It is a public policy research institution dedicated to policy analysis and to having an impact. The center is distinctive for maintaining resident experts on all the world's major geographical regions; it also covers key functional areas such as international finance, emerging markets, US domestic and economic policy, and US foreign policy and national security issues. Policy impact is the basic mission of CSIS. Its goal is to inform and shape selected policy decisions in government and the private sector to meet the increasingly complex and difficult challenges that leaders will confront in the next century.
Areas of Research: Political issues, foreign relations, security and defense, economic issues, industry policy, regional studies, social issues, health and welfare, culture and religion, communications and information, science and technology, biological, agricultural and physical sciences.
Geographic Focus: Domestic, international, particularly Japan, China, Korea, India, Canada, Mexico, Russia, Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Central America, Eastern Europe, South Asia, Middle East, Eurasia, South America, Western Europe, the Third World.
Center of International Studies, Princeton University (CIS)
Bendheim Hall, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
tel:1-609 258 4851 fax:1-609 258 3988
Organizational Status: University-affiliated institute, founded in 1951.
Background/Scope: CIS seeks to promote world peace and mutual understanding among nations by supporting scholarship in international relations and national development. It was founded when Yale UniversityÕs Institute of International Studies was brought to Princeton, renamed and affiliated with the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University. The center has supported the analysis of abiding questions in international security and political economy, and of more time-defined issues such as privatization or the restructuring of economies and states. CIS supports annual visiting fellows and serves as a source of support to faculty associates drawn from several departments in the university.
The Chicago Council on Foreign Relations (CCFR)
116 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60603, USA
tel:1-312 726 3860 fax:1-312 726 4491
e-mail:mbouton@ccfr.org
Organizational Status: Independent institute, founded in 1922.
Background/Scope: CCFR is one of the largest independent, nonprofit international affairs organizations in the United States, serving over 7,000 members and the community through diversified programming. It provides members, specialized groups and the general public with a forum for the consideration of significant international issues and their bearing on American foreign policy. In over 150 meetings annually, including lectures, seminars, conferences, publications and other activities, the council seeks to represent all sides of complex issues on the global agenda. Events feature major policy makers and other foreign experts from around the world, offering participants the opportunity to ask questions, voice their opinions and engage in candid discussions. The council's goal is to further awareness and broaden understanding of international relations and foreign policy as well as to promote Chicago's status as an important international center. In addition to remaining a leading Midwest platform for international leaders in foreign policy, CCFR strives to take the lead in gaining recognition for Chicago as an international business center for the corporate community and to broaden and deepen the council's role in the community.
Committee for Economic Development (CED)
477 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022, USA
tel:1-212 688 2063 fax:1-212 758 9068
Organizational Status: Independent institute, founded in 1942.
Background/Scope: CED is a nonpartisan organization of business and education leaders dedicated to policy research on the major economic and social issues of our time and to the implementation of its recommendations by the public and private sectors. The committee prides itself on being: common ground for some of the best minds in business and academia-from the United States and throughout the world; an organization to which government, policy and media leaders turn for reliable, nonpartisan policy guidance; a catalyst for community action; a respected business voice on national and international issues; and a resource for the business community's own policy-oriented activities.
Areas of Research: Political issues, foreign relations, economic issues, social issues, health and welfare, education, labor and human resource development, science and technology.
Council on Foreign Relations (CFR)
58 E. 68th St., New York, NY 10021, USA
tel:1-212 434 9400 fax:1-212 434 9800
e-mail:communications@cfr.org
Organizational Status: Independent NGO, founded in 1921.
Background/Scope: CFR is a nonpartisan membership organization, research center and publisher. It is dedicated to increasing America's understanding of the world and to contributing ideas to US foreign policy. The council accomplishes this mainly by promoting constructive discussions, both in private and in public, and by publishing Foreign Affairs, a leading journal on global issues. CFR is host to the widest possible range of views, but an advocate of none, though its research fellows and independent task forces do take policy stands. The council seeks to add value to the public debate especially in its three major areas of research focus: Asia, international economics and rethinking national security. Council policy initiatives (CPIs) identify major foreign policy issues and present policy choices for addressing these issues in language Americans can readily understand. Council-sponsored independent task forces are convened to address urgent foreign policy issues with the aim of producing meaningful consensus on a policy. Great debates and policy impact panels (PIPs) bring together experts to debate, discuss and clarify topical foreign policy issues. Foreign Affairs often anticipates future foreign policy problems and educates its international readership.
Economic Strategy Institute (ESI)
1401 H Street, NW, Suite 560, Washington, DC 20005, USA
tel:1-202 289 1288 fax:1-202 289 1319
e-mail:webmaster@econstat.org
esidccvp@aol.com
Organizational Status: Independent institute, founded in 1989.
Background/Scope: ESI is an activist think tank whose objective is to change American attitudes and policies in regard to competitiveness. It was founded out of the deep concern of key US industry and labor leaders, over the erosion of America's economic leadership, and with the hostility of media and academic commentators toward efforts to halt the slide. At the urging of-and with the major support of -industry leaders, Clyde Prestowitz set out to create an institute to define a new economic agenda by challenging old assumptions and developing an integrated, macro/microeconomic strategy to realize the full potential of America's rich material and human resources. Key to the institute's agenda are trade, competitiveness and economic policy issues that affect the nation's overall economic performance, the creation of good jobs and the welfare of individual industries. ESI believes that the foundation of any successful economic strategy is a sound macroeconomic policy and that it is also imperative to carefully consider the impact of microeconomic policies on the national economic structure. This includes trade negotiation priorities, government research and development spending, approaches to environmental and workplace regulations, the de facto biases of the tax code, and the decisions of regulatory bodies, in addition to a host of other sectoral policies. The institute's objective is to develop long-term targets for economic performance and a complementary set of macro and micro guidelines that will achieve this goal.
Ethics and Public Policy Center (EPPC)
1015 15th Street NW-Suite 900, Washington, DC 2000, USA
tel:1-202 682 1200 fax:1-202 408 0632
e-mail:ethics@eppc.org
Organizational Status: Independent institute, founded in 1976.
Background/Scope: EPPC was established to clarify and reinforce the bond between the Judeo-Christian moral tradition and the public debate over domestic and foreign policy issues. Its program includes research, publication and conferences. The center affirms the political relevance of the great Western ethical imperatives: respect for the dignity of every person, individual freedom and responsibility, justice, the rule of law and limited government. It maintains that moral reasoning is an essential complement to empirical calculation in shaping public policy. Certain aspects of the center's approach set it apart from other public policy organizations: EPPC deals openly and explicitly with religiously based moral values in addressing contemporary issues and works to clarify the ways in which principles shape the choices that democratic political leaders must make. It analyzes the moral reasoning and public policy positions of organized religion. It holds that religious bodies ought to be subjected to thoughtful scrutiny precisely because they are-or should be-the custodians and renewers of our most deeply held values. Finally, EPPC strives to deepen and broaden public debate on the ordering of our society and its relationship to the rest of the world, especially in areas where the positions of strident, single-issue groups have received inordinate attention in the media and in the academy. It actively seeks to foster a wiser moral and political debate across ideological barricades.
Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI)
1528 Walnut Street-Suite 610, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
tel:1-215 732 3774 fax:1-215 732 4401
e-mail:FPRI@fpri.org
Organizational Status: Independent institute, founded in 1955.
Background/Scope: FPRI was founded as part of the University of Pennsylvania to provide long-term thinking to US officials about the Cold War, then the principal focus. It became independent in 1970, and since the end of the Cold War has focused on ways to promote a peaceful order conducive to democracy and free markets at home and abroad.
Areas of Research: Foreign relations and diplomacy, security and defense, economic issues, culture and religion. Priority research areas include: US foreign policy, US and Europe (Russia), US and East Asia (US-China-Japan relations), US military, South Asia (confidence-building measures), Middle East (Arab-Israeli peace process, Gulf security), international organized crime, Latin America (sources of instability), international political economy.
Geographic Focus: International.
The Helen Kellogg Institute for International Studies (KI)
216 Hesburgh Center, Notre Dame, IN 46556-5677, USA
tel:1-219 631 6580 fax:1-219 631 6717
e-mail:(there is no general e-mail address; staff e-mails available on web site)
Organizational Status: University-affiliated institute, founded in 1982.
Background/Scope: KI promotes comparative international research by attracting faculty, students and visitors to the University of Notre Dame and by providing them with a supportive community of scholarship. Each year, the institute brings to campus about 10 residential visiting fellows from within and outside the US. The institute also comprises 53 Kellogg fellows, all of whom are Notre Dame faculty members, coming from 13 departments. It supports five working groups and awards individual support to faculty, graduate students and undergraduates for international research or internships. In support of intellectual exchange, Kellogg schedules a twice-weekly series of speakers on international topics. It also sponsors international conferences, topical roundtable discussions of world affairs and cultural events. The institute publishes working papers and a book series to disseminate research. Through these activities, KI fosters interdisciplinary research on contemporary political, economic, social and religious issues.
The Heritage Foundation
214 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA
tel:1-202 546 4400 fax:1-202 544 6979
e-mail:staff@heritage.org
Organizational Status: independent, founded in 1973.
Background/Scope: The foundation is a research and educational institute-a think tank -whose mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values and a strong national defense. It pursues this mission by performing timely, accurate research on key policy issues and marketing these findings effectively to its primary audiences: members of Congress, key congressional staff members, policy makers in the executive branch, the nation's news media, and the academic and policy communities. The foundation's products include publications, articles, lectures, conferences and meetings.
Areas of Research: Regional studies, industry policy, development studies, labor and human resource development, communications and information, science and technology, environment and natural resources, culture and religion, foreign relations, economic issues, social issues, health and welfare, security and defense, education, biological, agricultural and physical sciences, gender, political issues.
Hoover Institution on War, Revolution and Peace
Hoover Institution, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-6010, USA
tel:1-650 723 0603 fax:1-650 725 8611
e-mail:horaney@hoover.stanford.edu
Organizational Status: University-affiliated institute, founded in 1918.
Background/Scope: Founded as a war library by Herbert Hoover, the institution today is also a center of scholarship and public policy research, committed to generating ideas that define a free society. The defining principles of individual, economic and political freedom; private enterprise; and representative government were fundamental to Hoover's vision. Hoover described the institute's mission as contributing to the pursuits of securing and safeguarding peace, improving the human condition, and limiting government intrusion into the lives of individuals. This mission is reaffirmed today.
Hudson Institute
5395 Emerson Way, Indianapolis, IN 46226, USA
tel:1-317 545 1000 fax:1-317 545 9639
Organizational Status: Independent institute, founded in 1961.
Background/Scope: The institute's mission is to be America's premier source of applied research on enduring public policy challenges. Hudson works to counsel and guide policy change, applying its ideas whenever possible alongside other leaders in communities, businesses, nonprofit organizations and governments. It produces independent, high-quality research and competes boldly in the debate of policy ideas. Further, the institute reflects constantly on the application of its ideas, using real world experience and new knowledge to improve its response to policy challenges. It aims to accomplish its mission using the I3 approach-Ideas, Initiative and Impact-a reinforcing process of applied research developed by the institute.
Areas of Research: Agriculture, campaign finance reform, civil justice and tort reform, civil society, crime control, domestic and international economics, education, environment, faith and public policy, health care, housing and urban development, immigration/citizenship, international religious liberty, military/national security, regulatory issues, Russian and European studies, Social Security/welfare reform, trade, urban planning and development, workforce/labor.
The Independent Institute
100 Swan Way, Oakland, CA 94621-1428, USA
tel:1-510 632 1366 fax:1-510 568 6040
e-mail:info@independent.org
Organizational Status: Independent NGO, founded in 1986.
Background/Scope: The institute is a nonpoliticized, nonpartisan, scholarly public policy research organization that sponsors comprehensive studies of critical social and economic issues. In order to understand the nature of and possible solutions to major public problems, the institute's program adheres to the standards of independent inquiry and is pursued regardless of political and social bias. The resulting studies are widely distributed as books and other publications and are debated in numerous institute conferences and media programs. The institute pushes at the frontiers of knowledge, redefines the debate over public issues, and fosters new and effective directions for government reform.
Areas of Research: Economic issues, social issues, environment and natural resources, industry policy, health and welfare.
Geographic Focus: International.
International Research Center for Energy and Economic Development (ICEED)
850 Willowbrook Road, Boulder, CO 80302, USA
tel:1-303 442 4014 fax:1-303 442 5042
e-mail:iceed@stripe.colorado.edu
Organizational Status: Independent institute, founded in 1973.
Background/Scope: ICEED seeks to extend balanced information on energy and energy-related topics, specifically economic growth and development, environment and policy. Its activities involve the three areas of research support, publications and annual international conferences.
Areas of Research: Economic issues, development studies, environment and natural resources, energy, industry policy.
Geographic Focus: Domestic, international, with special emphasis on the oil-exporting countries and major importing nations. Strong contacts in the Middle East and North Africa
Joan B. Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies
PO Box 639, Hesburgh Center for International Studies University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556-063, USA
tel:1-219 631 6970 fax:1-219 631 6973
e-mail:krocinst@nd.edu
Organizational Status: University-affiliated institute, founded in 1986.
Background/Scope: The institute is founded on the belief that peace is inseparable from the resolution of violent conflicts, and the promotion of social justice and equitable development. This comprehensive understanding of peace is rooted in the Catholic social tradition and a broadly ecumenical tradition of moral wisdom that stresses the necessity for justice in bringing about peace. The institute thus helps the University of Notre Dame remain faithful to its mission of creating a sense of human solidarity and concern for the common good that will bear fruit as learning becomes service to justice. The institute's mission embraces both the prevention of violence or war, sometimes called `negative peace,' and the building of cooperative, just relations between people, or `positive peace.' Among many college and university programs in peace and conflict studies, the Kroc Institute is a leader in addressing political, cultural, religious, social and economic factors that lay the foundation for positive peace. The institute pursues its mission through innovative interdisciplinary educational programs on the graduate and under undergraduate levels, path-breaking peace research by its own faculty and visiting fellows, and public outreach aimed at bringing ethically sensitive, policy-relevant research by faculty, graduates and visiting scholars to the public and to policy makers in the United States and throughout the world.
Milken Institute
1250 Fourth Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA
tel:1-310 998 2600 fax:1-310 998 2626
e-mail:info@milkeninstitute.org
Organizational Status: Independent institute, founded in 1991.
Background/Scope: The institute is a leading economic think tank that provides accessible analysis of US and world market developments and economic trends to the business and financial communities, public policy makers, scholars, the media and others. It is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization led by experts in capital markets, regional economics and global finance. The institute strives to demystify economic, business and financial issues for an involved and educated public through its publications, forums, conferences, roundtable discussions and partnerships with other scholars, businesses and organizations. In so doing, it hopes to engage the business and financial communities, government officials, academia and the public at large to create more thoughtful public policy and improved economic outcomes for society. The institute's research focuses on the democratization of capital, technology, capital markets, regional economic performance, demography, international finance, and innovations in financial technology to improve social, regional and environmental conditions.
Areas of Research: Economic issues, regional studies, science and technology, labor and human resource development, social issues, finance/capital markets, communications and information, education, environment and natural resources.
National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)
1050 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
tel:1-617 868 3900 fax:1-617 868 2742
e-mail:webmaster@nber.org
Organizational Status: Independent institute, founded in 1920.
Background/Scope: NBER is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization dedicated to promoting a greater understanding of how the economy works. It is committed to conducting unbiased economic research and disseminating the results among public policy makers, business professionals and the academic community. Over the years the bureau's research agenda has encompassed a wide variety of issues that confront US society. Its early research focused on the aggregate economy, examining in detail the business cycle and long-term economic growth. Simon Kuznets' pioneering work on national income accounting, Wesley Mitchell's influential study of the business cycle, and Milton Friedman's research on the demand for money and the determinants of consumer spending were among the early studies done at NBER.
The Nixon Center
1615 L Street NW-Suite 1250, Washington, DC 20036, USA
tel:1-202 887 1000 fax:1-202 887 5222
e-mail:mail@nixoncenter.org
Organizational Status: Independent institute, founded in 1994.
Background/Scope: The center is a public policy institution committed to analyzing challenges to American foreign policy from a realist perspective. It was founded by former US President Richard Nixon shortly before his death in 1994.
Areas of Research: Foreign relations, security and defense, regional studies, economic issues.
The Rockford Institute
928 North Main Street, Rockford, IL61003, USA
tel:1-815 964 5053 fax:1-815 964 9403
e-mail:info@rockfordinstitute.org
Organizational Status: Independent institute, founded in 1976.
Background/Scope: The institute is a nonprofit band of scholars dedicated to the preservation and expansion of Western Christian culture through the scholarly defense and promotion of the cultural principles and personal virtues without which Christian civilization cannot survive. Its focus on the cultural institutions that comprise the whole of American life (the church, the family, education, literature, poetry and film) separates it from the countless public policy groups attempting in vain to reform a decaying society simply by passing legislation. It is run efficiently, with a small staff, a modest physical plant and a location far from the swollen rents and skyrocketing salaries of Washington and New York. The institute can fairly claim prescience and influence in American political and cultural life, and a proven track record in disseminating sophisticated ideas and arguments to both influential and popular audiences. Its chief activities include the publication of a monthly magazine, Chronicles: A Magazine of American Culture. The institute also operates educational conferences throughout the world, an annual summer school, a Web site, an audiotape lecture series and a campus speakers bureau.
Social Science Research Council (SSRC)
810 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10019, USA
tel:1-212 377 2700 fax:1-212 377 2727
e-mail:info@ssrc.org
Organizational Status: Independent institute, founded in 1923.
Background/Scope: SSRC is a nonprofit organization composed of social and behavioral scientists and humanists from all over the world. Throughout its history the council has established intellectual bridges between the academy, foundations, the disciplines, government and the public. It advances the quality and effectiveness of research in the social sciences and encourages scholars in different disciplines - including those adjunct to the social sciences in the humanities and in the biological and natural sciences Ð to work together on topical, conceptual and methodological issues that can benefit from interdisciplinary and international collaboration. SSRC also links researchers, practitioners and policy makers in exploring new intellectual paths and testing theories and methods against challenges of national and international concern. Its work is carried out through workshops and conferences, research consortia, summer training institutes, scholarly exchanges, fellowships and grants, and publications. At any given time, the council supports two to three dozen programs. A small professional staff directs these projects, organizing groups of volunteer scholars and researchers into steering committees, research networks, screening panels and working groups. Members are drawn from universities, research institutions and nongovernmental organizations around the world.