Our Mission
Build peace and democracy through free and fair media

Our Values
Integrity, human rights, local empowerment

What we do
• establish sustainable networks and institutions
• develop skills and professionalism
• provide reliable reporting
• build dialogue and debate

The Centre for Policy Studies (CPS) is one of Britain’s best known and most respected think tanks. It exists to promote coherent and practical public policy, to roll back the state, reform public services, support communities, and challenge threats to Britain’s independence.

The Centre for Policy Studies (CPS) is independent of all political parties and special interest groups. It is a non-profit-making organisation which relies entirely on the donations of individuals and companies to carry out its work.

The CPS was founded by Sir Keith Joseph and Margaret Thatcher in 1974 to champion economic liberalism in Britain and has since played a global role in the dissemination of free market economics. Its policy proposals are based on a set of core principles, including individual choice and responsibility, and the concepts of duty, family, liberty, and the rule of law. It continues to have a vital role as the champion of the Small State.

BASIC is a progressive and independent analysis and advocacy organization which researches and provides a critical examination of global security issues, including nuclear policies, military strategies, armaments and disarmament. BASIC assists in the development of global security policies, policy-making and the assessment of policy priorities, and promotes public awareness and understanding of these policies and of policy-making in Europe and the US. With governing directors and offices on both sides of the Atlantic, BASIC facilitates the exchange of information and analysis on these global security issues in order to foster informed debate.

SMF undertakes and commissions original research and writing on a range of public policy issues where understanding both the vitality of markets and the need for social consent can advance debate and help to shape new ideas. It develops ideas that are pro-market but not laissez-faire, setting markets in their social context and recognizing that outside the realm of theory they are underpinned by social consent. Unlike think tanks of the orthodox right, SMF believes in promoting sustainable welfare systems; and unlike think tanks of the established left, its agenda is to make these welfare systems provide better service to consumers through more effective competition and choice.

RUSI's purpose is to study, promote debate, report, and provide options on all issues relating to national and international defense and security. RUSI's knowledge of the international and national defense and security environments and its objectivity together with distinguished heritage, give RUSI unrivalled access to senior figures in the Ministry of Defense and other government departments. The institute has four principle roles: (1) through its research programs, to promote the study of selected national and international defense and security issues in order to make an independent and original contribution to thinking about defense and international security policy; (2) through its program of lectures, conferences, and seminars, to provide a forum for discussion of all aspects of national and international defense and security, set in a wide international context, bringing together participants from the armed forces, politicians, the civil and diplomatic services, industry, commerce, media, police, academia, and a wide range of other disciplines; (3) through its journal and other publications, to assist in creating informed opinion and extending knowledge of national and international defense and security matters; and (4) to encourage the maximum participation of individual, corporate, and diplomatic members in all these roles.

OXONIA provides a global forum for engaging a broad consortium of those in the public policy community in the analysis, discussion, and dissemination of policy issues with the aim of promoting innovative academic research within the broader public policy framework. Recognizing that global interdependences influence nearly all of today's policy debates, OXONIA's membership reflects an international group of academics and policy professionals with diverse background and expertise. By building on such diversity, OXONIA aims to be a catalyst in the policy debate globally, and to this end, the institute coordinates its own research programs supported by its members and hosts a variety of seminars, workshops, and conferences. OXONIA enjoys the support of an international academic community that provides constant input to all the institute's activities.

ODI was established as a center for the study of development and humanitarian issues and as a forum for the discussion of problems facing developing countries. In its early years, the institute played a role in raising the profile of development issues on political agendas. Since then, with the proliferation of campaigning NGOs, the institute has built up a substantial body of research expertise. ODI's main objectives are to inspire and inform policy and practice that lead to the reduction of poverty, the alleviation of suffering, and the achievement of sustainable livelihoods in developing countries. This is achieved by combining substantive applied research, practical policy advice, and policy-focused dissemination and debate. ODI works with partners in the public and private sectors in both developing and developed countries.

NPI's mission is to advance social justice within a market economy. Wholly independent, NPI is funded on a project basis by charitable foundations, private companies, trade unions, voluntary sector organizations, and public sector bodies. The majority of the institute's work leads directly to public-domain reports, usually published under its own name, and it also undertakes some consultancy work. NPI's aim of advancing social justice within a market economy translates into a focus on all aspects of poverty and social exclusion as well as wider issues concerning social inequality. Another focus of interest is the performance of �eessential' services-from utilities and finance to education-and how government should seek to influence the behavior of the now mainly private-sector providers of such services. NPI has worked on subjects across a range of sectors, including national and local government, education, utilities and finance, the voluntary sector, and tax and social security systems.

NEF aims to inspire and demonstrate real economic well-being and establish an economic system that puts people and the planet first. Promoting innovative solutions that challenge mainstream thinking on economic, environmental, and social issues, NEF combines rigorous analysis and policy debate with practical solutions on the ground, often run and designed with the help of local people, focusing on increased well-being and environmental sustainability. Working with civil society, governments, individuals, businesses, and academia, both in the UK and abroad, NEF seeks to create a greater understanding of the necessary strategies for change. NEF undertakes in-depth research, campaigning, and policy discussions and raises awareness through the media and publications. In addition, the foundation incubates new organizations and campaigns that can create long-term change in society, currently focusing on three main topics: (1) real world economics, which aims to expose the problems within international finance and economic systems and create appropriate remedies; (2) "ghost town Britain," which focuses on the decline in neighborhood shops and services that is sounding the death knell for Britain's local economies; and (3) well-being, which aims to create a new economy that serves people and the planet and begin redefining wealth and progress.

NIESR is an economic research institute, with over 60 years of experience in applying academic excellence to the needs of business and policymakers. NIESR's objective is to promote, through quantitative research, a deeper understanding of the interaction of economic and social forces that affect people's lives so that they may be improved. NIESR is independent of all political interests. It receives no core funding from the government and is not affiliated with any single university, although its staff regularly undertake projects in collaboration with leading academic institutions. Its research interests are constantly changing in response to new needs but embrace most of the issues that shape economic performance. Current programs include work on productivity, pensions and the ageing population, trade and investment, European financial integration, labor markets, and economic statistics. All are underpinned by the institute's long-standing strength in macroeconomic modeling and forecasting.

IISS is a center for research, information, and debate on the subjects of military strategy, arms control, regional security, and conflict resolution. The objective of the institute is to promote, on a nonpartisan basis, the study, discussion, and exchange of information on the influence of modern and nuclear weapons and warfare upon the problems of strategy, defense, disarmament, and international relations. IISS is a primary source of accurate, objective information on international strategic issues for politicians and diplomats, foreign affairs analysts, international business, economists, the military, defense commentators, journalists, academics, and the informed public.

IIED seeks to change the world in partnership with others by providing leadership in researching and promoting sustainable development at the local, national, and global levels. Its goal is to shape a future that ends global poverty and sustains the fair and sound management of the world's resources. IIED promotes sustainable patterns of world development through collaborative research, policy studies, networking, and knowledge dissemination.

IBRU, affiliated with the University of Durham, works to enhance the resources available for the peaceful resolution of problems associated with international boundaries on land and at sea, including their delimitation, demarcation, and management. IBRU is recognized as an international resource of information and expertise on boundary and territorial issues throughout the world. IBRU has a publication program and organizes conferences and training workshops on boundary and territorial issues. The unit offers a number of consultancy services and has undertaken research for a wide variety of clients, including governments, international organizations, oil and shipping companies, international law firms, NGOs, and academic institutions.

IWA seeks to raise the level of information and debate on Welsh public policy issues by publishing research reports and policy papers and carrying out commissioned research on behalf of other organizations. IWA's main focus is on politics, devolution and constitutional affairs, economy and business, transport and the environment, social affairs and education, and Europe, principally concerning issues in these fields that directly affect Wales. One of its main projects in recent years has been the publication of a quarterly report monitoring the activities of the National Assembly for Wales, which came into being in 1999. IWA organizes various conferences and seminars and is funded by individual and corporate membership fees, charitable trusts, and research contracts.

IDS, affiliated with the University of Sussex, aims to stimulate debate and influence the way people think about development in all sectors of its work. The institute's activities can be divided into three broad areas: research and advisory work, teaching and training, and information services. IDS research covers a wide range of development questions, including the environment, globalization, governance, health and social change, participation, and poverty, and much of its work is carried out in partnership with other research organizations worldwide. IDS teaching program is known for its academic excellence and is strongly research-led, drawing the ongoing work of the IDS research teams into the classroom. IDS is also home to a range of innovative information services, including the British Library for Development Studies (BLDS), and the development information service, Eldis.

IPPR aims to play a vital role in maintaining the momentum of progressive thought in the United Kingdom through well-researched and clearly argued policy analysis, reports, and publications; strong networks in government, academia and the corporate and voluntary sectors; and a high media profile. Since its inception, IPPR has striven to be a source of new and imaginative ideas, with a mission to continue to be a force for change through delivering far-reaching and realistic policy solutions that will help produce a fairer, more inclusive, and more environmentally sustainable world.

JPR informs and influences policy, opinion, and decision-making on social, political, and cultural issues affecting Jewish life. JPR's main aims are to assist Jewish communities in better understanding themselves, determining their priorities, and achieving their objectives; provide a forum for all segments of the Jewish community to meet and discuss critical issues of common concern; strengthen civil society by shaping the social and political agendas; engage in public policy debates; and provide policy advice.

The organization is committed to promoting good governance, peace, understanding, and cooperation throughout the world. It evaluates a wide range of institutions and organizations, and the Gold Mercury Awards are now seen as international recognition for significant achievements in global and corporate governance, peace and humanitarian efforts, information, innovation, and the environment. Winners are often recognized figures and institutions in world affairs, business, and society.

FPC is a European think tank launched under the patronage of the British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Its aim is to promote a vision of a fair and rule-based world order. Through its research, publications, and events, FPC aims to develop innovative policy ideas promoting five key ideas: (1) effective multilateral solutions to global problems; (2) democratic, well governed states as the foundation of order and development; (3) public/private partnerships to deliver public goods; (4) support for progressive policy through effective public diplomacy; and (5) inclusive definitions of citizenship to underpin internationalist practice. FPC has a cross cutting project, The Next Generation Democracy, which looks at the future of European democracy with partners in France, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Italy. A follow-up, Global Europe, looks at Europe's role in the world and has held seminars in London, Oslo, and Brussels. It will involve contributions by experts on global security, aid, and development in eight countries, ranging from France to India.

The Fabian Society is Britain's left of centre think tank and political society, committed to creating the political ideas and policy debated which can shape the future of progressive politics. With over 300 Fabian MPs, MEPs, Peers, MSPs and AMs, the Society plays an unparalleled role in linking the ability to influence policy debates at the highest level with vigorous grassroots debate among its growing membership of over 7000 people, 70 local branches meeting regularly throughout Britain and a vibrant Young Fabian section organizing its own activities. The Society is unique among think tanks in being a thriving, democratically-constituted membership organization, affiliated to the Labor Party but organizationally and editorially independent. For over 120 years Fabians have been central to every important renewal and revision of left-of-centre thinking. The Fabian commitment to open and participatory debate is as important today as ever before as it explores the ideas, politics and policies which will define the next generation of progressive politics in Britain, Europe and around the world.

The Foundation is the United Kingdom's Eurorealist think tank, providing accurate information and facts as well as opinion from Europe's leading politicians and academics in its regular publication, The European Journal. The Foundation's overall policy is "yes to European trade, no to European government," and it remains committed to a thoroughgoing reform of the EU. The Foundation's aims and objectives are to (1) further prosperity and democracy in Europe; (2) renegotiate the treaties of Maastricht, Amsterdam, and Nice and prevent the ratification of the European Constitution; (3) reform and scale down the acquis communautaire (EU legislation); (4) ensure that future member states get a fair deal from EC/EU membership; (5) halt the continuing arrogation of power by the EC/EU; (6) prevent the UK from adopting the euro; (7) contribute as actively as possible to an informed public debate about the future of Europe; and (8) liaise with like-minded organizations throughout the world and with those affected by EC/EU action and policy.

ERC merged with the Economic Reform Club in 1959, which had been founded by a number of prominent people who had become concerned at the poverty around them in the midst of plenty and began to question Britain's use of economic and monetary policies that had failed the nation in the past and were liable to go on perpetuating the sequence of boom, slump, boom of the 1920s. ERC's main objects are to (1) promote education in the science of economics, in particular monetary practice; (2) study presentations on monetary and economic subjects; (3) explore the fields of monetary and economic thought; (4) take steps to increase the interest of the public in the objects of the council by making known the results of study and research through publishing reports and other documents; and (5) encourage establishment by other countries of bodies having aims similar to those of the council and collaborate with such bodies to the public advantage.

Demos aims to create an open resource of knowledge and learning that operates beyond traditional parties, identities, and disciplines by promoting education for the public benefit in issues of politics, economics, the environment, and public policy as well as promoting, for the public benefit, research in any of the aforementioned fields of education and publishing the useful results of such research. Demos knowledge is organized around five themes: democracy, learning, enterprise, quality of life, and global change. Demos connects researchers, thinkers and practitioners to an international network of people changing politics.

DD was established in the aftermath of the paramilitary ceasefires in Northern Ireland with a view to facilitating political accommodation between Protestants and Catholics in the region and addressing social and economic challenges neglected during the prior quarter-century of violence. DD's central vision is to (1) provide an independent inspiration for reflective thinking upon the critical issues confronting the people of Northern Ireland; (2) envision policy formation through publications and debates, engaging economic, social, and political entities, including individual citizens; and (3) respond sensitively and quickly to demands from any quarter to advance dialogue and/or policy development. DD's work focuses on six themes: improving intercommunal and interethnic relations; encouraging social inclusion and reducing inequality; democratic development and participation; developing a human rights and equality culture; fostering sustainable regional economic development; and developing wider interregional and international linkages.

The Institute, formerly called The Royal Institute of International Affairs, was renamed Chatham House in September 2004. It is a think tank and membership organization for individuals, corporations, governments, and NGOs and is precluded by its charter from expressing any institutional view or policy on any aspect of international affairs. The main aims of the Institute are to (1) stimulate research in political, business, security and other key issues in the international arena; (2) foster dialogue; and (3) influence policymakers

CPPM, affiliated with the Robert Gordon University, is a multi-disciplinary research center, undertaking research and consultancy in Scottish and European public policy. CPPM conducts applied policy research in a wide range of fields, relating not only to the public sector but to voluntary, nonprofit, and commercial agencies carrying out similar patterns of work. CPPM's research is determined by its relevance to policy, and subjects are raised by local and national government agencies according to their needs. The role of CPPM is (1) policy analysis, understood both as the analysis of policy and analysis for policy; (2) research concerned with public policy; and (3) research applied to practical problems. Staff members attached to CPPM have backgrounds in policy analysis, social administration, management, planning, law, economics, and social research.

CEPR promotes independent, objective analysis and public discussion of open economies and the relations among them. CEPR coordinates the activities of an international network of over 600 research fellows and affiliates, bringing economic research to bear on the analysis of medium- and long-range policy questions. The center's research ranges from open-economy macroeconomics to trade policy and from the economic transformation of Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the CIS to European competition policy. There is a particular emphasis on all aspects of European integration. CEPR undertakes a wide variety of research that addresses European policy issues and publishes over 500 discussion papers annually in addition to monographs, newsletters, and policy reports.

CRCE carries out research into the problems of communist economies and those making the transition from communism to democracy and to market economies; much of the work relates to Central and Eastern Europe. The center is a registered charity (No 326640), supervised by a board of trustees and an advisory council, and receives no public funds. It organizes symposia, seminars and talks, encouraging discussion on individual countries and providing the opportunity to meet reformist economists and politicians involved in the transition process. CRCE publishes its research in books, occasional papers and briefings, and its findings have been featured in the media internationally. In the early 1990s, CRCE co-founded an economic research center in Moscow, the International Centre for Economic Transformation (ICRET), followed in 2000 by the Enterprise Institute of Ljubljana (Slovenia), which works throughout the Balkans.

CER is a think tank devoted to improving the quality of the debate on the future of the European Union. It is a forum for people with ideas from Britain and across the continent to discuss the many social, political and economic challenges facing Europe. The center seeks to work with similar bodies in other EU countries, in North America and elsewhere in the world.

The purpose of CDS is to act as a focus for research on a wide range of defense and security issues. It does this by conducting its own research, by commissioning research from outside, and by organizing working groups, conferences and seminars to draw together the work of academic and policy specialists in a wide range of areas. The center is part of the War Studies Group at King's College, which is the largest concentration of expertise for security studies research and training in Europe.

ASI is a free-market think tank that has played a role in the development of public policies, publishing over 300 policy reports and contributing to the worldwide movement towards free markets and free trade. The Institute encourages discussions of policy ideas through its website as well as newspapers, magazines, radio, and television. Its main focus is on introducing choice and competition, extending the influence of markets, giving ordinary people the chance to help frame their future through their choices, and redesigning public services in ways that inject innovation and consumer responsiveness into their delivery. ASI enjoys the support of individuals, foundations, and companies who understand its role in the policy-making process. Acting as a catalyst-drawing on its network of specialists from the worlds of business, academe, and public life-the Institute's aims are to anticipate future problems and create new policy strategies that are both politically and economically viable.