Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (CEIP) is a renowned nonpartisan international affairs think tank headquartered in Washington, D.C., with a global presence.

Founded in 1910 by Andrew Carnegie, the organization is dedicated to advancing cooperation between countries, reducing global conflict, and promoting active international engagement.

History and Establishment

Andrew Carnegie established the Endowment on November 25, 1910, with a gift of $10 million worth of first mortgage bonds.

His vision was to create a think tank dedicated to advancing world peace, charging trustees to use the fund to "hasten the abolition of international war".

Global Presence

The Carnegie Endowment has expanded its reach globally over the years:

• Carnegie Europe in Brussels (2007)
• Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut (2006)
• Carnegie-Tsinghua Center in Beijing (2010)
• Carnegie India in New Delhi (2016)
• Al-Farabi Carnegie Program on Central Asia in Kazakhstan (2011)

This global network allows the organization to bring diverse perspectives to international policy debates.

Key Focus Areas

The Endowment's work covers a wide range of critical global issues:

• Democracy
• Technology
• Climate change
• Nuclear policy
• Regional studies (Asia, Africa, Europe, Middle East, Russia, and Eurasia)

Experts at Carnegie generate strategic ideas and independent analysis to help inform countries, institutions, and leaders on difficult global problems.

Funding and Financial Structure

As of 2020, the Carnegie Endowment reported:

• Total revenue: $57 million
• Contributions and grants: $41 million
• Total functional expenses: $38 million
• Salaries and wages: $14 million
• Executive compensation: $3 million

The organization receives funding from various sources, including private foundations, corporations, and government entities

Impact and Recognition

The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace is widely recognized for its influence in shaping global policy:

• Ranked as the number 1 top think tank in the world in the University of Pennsylvania's "2019 Global Go To Think Tanks Report".
• Known for supporting diplomacy and training the next generation of international scholar-practitioners.
• Maintains a network of over 150 experts who have served in nearly every U.S. administration since the Endowment's founding

Relations to Islamic Issues

The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (CEIP) continues to be a leading think tank in international affairs, with a strong focus on the Middle East and Islamic world. This report summarizes key findings and research areas related to Islamic issues and countries based on recent CEIP publications and initiatives.

Islamic Institutions in Arab States

Recent research by CEIP scholars has examined the complex relationship between Islamic institutions and Arab governments.

Key findings include:

• Arab regimes often attempt to co-opt and control Islamic institutions to counter domestic and external threats.
• In conflict-affected states, Islamic institutions have either fragmented or become prizes for competing factions.
• Western engagement with Islamic actors in conflict settings can be complicated by politicization and factionalization.

CEIP research has explored the evolving role of women in Islamic movements and societies:

• There is an emerging women's agenda within Islamist movements, though many reject the label of "feminism."
• Islamist women's activism often emphasizes the centrality of family while advocating for women's rights within an Islamic framework.
• Understanding these dynamics is crucial for effective engagement on women's issues in Muslim-majority countries.

Demographic Trends

Islam is projected to be the world's fastest-growing religious group in the coming decades:

• By 2100, Muslims are expected to outnumber Christians globally.
• By 2050, Muslims are projected to make up 10% of Europe's population.

These demographic shifts will have significant implications for global politics, economics, and social issues.

Economic Development

There are ongoing debates about the relationship between Islam and economic development:

Countries with predominantly Muslim populations tend to have lower average incomes compared to the global average. However, research on whether Islam itself hinders economic growth remains inconclusive.

Regional Dynamics

South Asia

CEIP analysis has highlighted the tension between traditional syncretist forms of Islam in South Asia and more puritanical interpretations from the Arabian peninsula “Islam in South Asia.” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, https://carnegieendowment.org/posts/2004/07/islam-in-south-asia?lang=en. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.

Key points include:

• The rise of radical groups in countries like Indonesia has been linked to legacies of military rule.
• Malaysia's experience with allowing Islamist parties to participate in a pluralist system has helped contain radicalism.
• Consistent democratic processes and socio-economic development may help marginalize radical Islamist groups over time.

Conclusion

The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace tries to play a role in international affairs, leveraging its global network of experts and centers to provide strategic analysis and policy recommendations on critical global issues..

It can also provide insights and policy recommendations to address the complex challenges and opportunities related to Islam in the global context from its own perspective.