About NSIC

In a city with many think tanks and public policy centers, the National Strategy Information Center is notable for its:

  • Finely honed mission. While many think tanks cover an array of issues, NSIC has always focused on — and been at the forefront of — innovating and institutionalizing education on key dimensions of security studies for a wide variety of audiences. NSIC specializes in identifying security-related Issues and problems that lend themselves to being addressed through educational programs.
  • Compact size and remarkable continuity. NSIC’s Washington headquarters has ranged between 10 and 20 full-time staff. And over its 48 years, it has had only two presidents, Frank Rockwell Barnett (1962 to 1993) and Dr. Roy Godson (1993 to present).
  • Organizational flexibility and expertise. Its sharp focus combined with depth of expertise has led NSIC to spot — and explain — emerging issues before others do. For example, in the mid-1990s NSIC was among the first to identify and explore the growing threat posed by armed groups and extremist ideologies. That path led to research efforts and ongoing programs by the organization to promote methods and practices that the United States and other democracies can employ to more effectively manage the new security environment.
  • Focus on practical solutions. NSIC’s research and education usually lead to the development of actionable programs. They get to the core of a problem and then develop, test, and refine well-designed education programs aimed at enhancing the quality of life in democracies and the rule of law.
  • Partnership approach. Given its large mission and its relatively small size, NSlC finds it effective to partner with larger organizations that have the resource capacity to institutionalize the programs it has pioneered — universities, the AFL-CIO, the American Bar Association, and, in the case of rule of law education, U.S. and foreign governments and civic society.
  • Non-ideological and nonpartisan approach. Because NSlC doesn’t involve itself in domestic issues, elections, or specific legislation, it can and has worked with a wide variety of leaders and organizations. Views on domestic issues may differ, but through NSlC, individuals from across the political spectrum have found common ground on the merits of promoting democratic security here and abroad. NSlC’s diverse board of directors includes a wide spectrum of skill sets and views, ranging from former senior government officials, academics, and lawyers, to media and trade union and business leaders.
  • Diverse funding. As a nonprofit organization, NSlC’s resources come largely from philanthropy or the educational branch of governments and international organizations that help NSIC maintain an ability to focus on research and practical solutions to complex issues.

NSIC Mission Statement

The National Strategy Information Center (NSIC) identifies, researches, pilots, and promotes innovative strategies to enhance security and the quality of life in democratic societies. Founded as a nonpartisan, nonprofit, nongovernmental organization, NSIC has been at the forefront of education about challenges to democratic institutions for nearly 50 years.

NSIC seeks to achieve a multiplier effect by developing programs that can become independent and self-sustaining. NSIC’s collaboration with educators, government officials, and civil society leaders in the United States and abroad translates its research findings into meaningful contributions to policy and programs.