About Us

For over 50 years, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) has developed practical solutions to the world’s greatest challenges. As we celebrate this milestone, CSIS scholars continue to provide strategic insights and bipartisan policy solutions to help decision makers chart a course toward a better world.

CSIS is a bipartisan, nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C.  The Center’s 220 full-time staff and large network of affiliated scholars conduct research and analysis and develop policy initiatives that look to the future and anticipate change.

Since 1962, CSIS has been dedicated to finding ways to sustain American prominence and prosperity as a force for good in the world. After 50 years, CSIS has become one of the world’s preeminent international policy institutions focused on defense and security; regional stability; and transnational challenges ranging from energy and climate to global development and economic integration.

Thomas J. Pritzker was named Chairman of the CSIS Board of Trustees in 2015. Mr. Pritzker succeeds Senator Sam Nunn, who chaired the CSIS Board of Trustees from 1999 to 2015. John J. Hamre became the Center’s president and chief executive officer in April 2000. CSIS was founded by David M. Abshire and Admiral Arleigh Burke.

Learn more about the history of CSIS or other information about CSIS using the links to the left. If you have additional questions please feel free to contact the appropriate office.