The Center for Strategic and International Studies

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a prominent bipartisan, nonprofit policy research organization based in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1962 during the Cold War, CSIS aims to address critical global challenges through strategic analysis and policy recommendations. It operates with a commitment to non-partisanship, independent thought, and innovative scholarship, striving to influence decision-making among policymakers and the public alike.

Historical Background

CSIS was established by Admiral Arleigh Burke and David Abshire at Georgetown University. Initially named the Center for Strategic and International Studies of Georgetown University, it became an independent entity in 1987. Throughout its history, CSIS has been instrumental in shaping U.S. foreign policy and national security strategies. Notable milestones include:

• 1966: Research on the Sino-Soviet split led to significant congressional hearings.
• 1978: The center convened hearings on the Cambodian genocide, altering perceptions within Congress.
• 1985: A CSIS panel contributed to the Goldwater-Nichols Act, reforming U.S. military command structures.
• 2007: The Smart Power Commission provided insights into America's declining global standing.
• 2022: CSIS analysts predicted the Russian invasion of Ukraine, utilizing satellite imagery for their assessments.

Organizational Structure and Leadership

CSIS is led by John J. Hamre, who has served as president and CEO since 2000. The board of trustees is chaired by Thomas J. Pritzker, who took over from former U.S. Senator Sam Nunn in 2015. The organization employs over 250 full-time staff members and collaborates with a network of affiliated scholars to conduct research across various disciplines related to international relations.

Research Focus and Publications

CSIS conducts extensive research on a wide array of topics that include:

• Geopolitics
• Economic Security
• Technology
• Defense
• U.S. Global Engagement

The center publishes a variety of materials aimed at informing policymakers and stakeholders, including:

• The Washington Quarterly: A flagship journal that addresses strategic global changes.
• Critical Questions: Quick analyses of current international events.
• Freeman Report Newsletter: Focused on economics and security in Asia.
• CSIS also produces reports that have influenced significant U.S. policies, such as cybersecurity strategies under President Obama and assessments of U.S. interests in the Asia-Pacific region.

Focus on Islamic Issues

CSIS has produced significant research on various aspects of Islam and Islamic extremism from its own perspective and benefits, particularly in relation to security threats posed by groups like the Islamic State (IS) and the dynamics within Muslim communities. Key areas of focus include:

1. Radicalization and Extremism

CSIS has analyzed the rise of radical Islamic groups globally, including their operational tactics and ideological motivations. For instance, reports have detailed how the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISKP) poses a persistent threat in Pakistan, capable of conducting mass-casualty attacks despite facing challenges from local militant groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Palmer, Alexander, and Mackenzie Holtz. The Islamic State Threat in Pakistan: Trends and Scenarios. Aug. 2023. www.csis.org, https://www.csis.org/analysis/islamic-state-threat-pakistan-trends-and-scenarios.

The center emphasizes that ISKP's agenda is explicitly sectarian, targeting non-Sunni Muslims and aiming to establish a transnational caliphate.

1. Surveillance of Muslim Communities

Research has highlighted concerns regarding the surveillance practices employed by intelligence agencies like CSIS towards Muslim communities in Canada. Reports indicate that many Muslims experience random questioning or visits from CSIS agents without just cause, contributing to a climate of fear and anxiety within these communities. This surveillance often leads to stigmatization and a chilling effect on political activism among Muslims, who may feel discouraged from expressing dissent due to potential repercussions.

Racialized Targeting

The surveillance tactics have been critiqued as part of broader racialized targeting that disproportionately affects Muslim individuals. This includes monitoring activities at mosques and employing informants within communities under the guise of national security.

Nagra, Baljit, and Paula Maurutto. “Anti-Muslim Surveillance: Canadian Muslims’ Experiences with CSIS.”

3. Geopolitical Implications CSIS also examines the geopolitical dimensions of Islamic issues, such as the impact of the powers in regions like Iraq and Syria. Reports detail how sectarian violence exacerbated by groups like IS complicates regional stability and poses ongoing threats to both local populations and international security interests.

The center calls for comprehensive strategies that address both military responses and socio-economic factors contributing to the US’s opponents.

Impact and Influence

CSIS is recognized for its substantial impact on both domestic and international policy discussions. It provides insights that are frequently referenced by Congress, the executive branch, media outlets, and other think tanks. The center's work is characterized by its rigorous analytical approach, drawing on both qualitative and quantitative research methods.According to various sources, CSIS has been praised for its insightful analysis and innovative ideas regarding national security. CIA Director John Brennan noted that CSIS offers some of the most valuable analyses available to strengthen U.S. national security interests.

Conclusion

As one of the leading think tanks globally, CSIS continues to play a crucial role in shaping discussions around foreign policy and national security issues. Its commitment to non-partisan research and practical solutions positions it as a vital resource for decision-makers navigating complex global challenges today. With over six decades of experience, CSIS remains dedicated to fostering a safer and more prosperous world through informed policy analysis and recommendations.

Moreover, The Center for Strategic and International Studies plays a critical role in analyzing Islamic issues through a national security lens. Its research highlights the complexities surrounding the implications of surveillance on Muslim communities, and the broader geopolitical challenges. By fostering informed discussions on these topics, CSIS aims to contribute to more effective policy responses that balance their national security needs with civil liberties considerations for Muslim populations.