The Jefferson Institute is an independent trans-Atlantic research and education institute. We are inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s challenge to pursue truth, wherever it may lead, and his vision of foreign policy at its best: to prevail through ideas and commerce.

Our mission is simple: informing decision with alternative solutions.

We produce and deliver focused original foreign policy analysis from field-based analytical teams. We build capacity for policy research in the communities where we work. We conduct our work utilizing the best of local knowledge, international methodologies, and innovative application of information technology.

The Jefferson Institute’s applied research focuses on three areas:

I. Security: The Jefferson Institute supports decision makers in security sector reforms, to better face the challenges of modern threats. We deliver innovative research and analysis to better identify strategic priorities, and the practical steps for success in policy and programming. We also work to build organizational, technological, and human capacity in the communities where we work to conduct and sustain strategic and operational research in support of the security sector.

II. Democratization: Democracy delivers on micro-level transparency and rule of law, providing real benefits for people. To meet the increasing complexity of international development, public and private aid agencies have sought out new approaches and partnerships. Significant gaps remain in our understanding of these behavioral, strategic, and organizational paradigm shifts. We work to help public and private actors navigate the strategic challenges of international democracy development. We place special attention on community level analysis.

III. Competitiveness: Trade is an instrument for growth and development around the world. Yet, exports from poor countries are far below their potential. This gap between real and potential trade, especially to the developed markets, is a tremendous opportunity. The tenacity of that gap is among the greatest risks in the fight against poverty. The Jefferson Institute analyzes the competitive positions of developing economies and proposes alternative paths for development.

The Jefferson Institute strives to build capacity for public policy research in the communities where we work. Strengthening public policy research in emerging democracies is an essential element of pluralizing political discourse and breaking down information barriers to development. By supporting the growth of local research capacity, the Jefferson Institute contributes to democracy-building while strengthening our global field network of research partners.

The Jefferson Institute is a non-partisan, not-for-profit research and education corporation.