Our Work

At IPS, our work is centered in our vision: we believe everyone has a right to thrive on a planet where all communities are equitable, democratic, peaceful, and sustainable. Our intersecting programs and initiatives, led by a diverse group of expert staff and associate fellows, are helping to shape progressive movements toward this vision.

Economic and Racial Justice

Combating inequality means both lifting up and building power at the bottom, and breaking up concentration of wealth and power at the top. Learn more >

Climate Justice

In order to avert a climate catastrophe, we must transition away from fossil fuels to a clean energy economy rooted in economic and racial justice. Learn more >

Peace and Foreign Policy

To build peace, we must dislodge the economic and political foundations of war. Just foreign policy is based on human rights, international law, and diplomacy. Learn more >

Community Engagement

Our community-based work is done through partnership with movement building allies on the ground. Learn more >

Leadership Programs

In order to sustain the movement, we need to continuing growing new generations of social justice leaders. Learn more >

Latest Work

One Year Into Duterte's Bloody Regime

Sanho Tree | July 6, 2017

There are countless reasons why President Duterte’s Drug War isn’t helping Philippine society—and a $140 million reason President Trump might be willing to look the other way.

A Bipartisan Vote to Put the Brakes on War

Peter Certo | July 6, 2017

By putting such a sinister face on it, Trump might have finally inspired lawmakers to rein in America’s post-9/11 war machine.

Why I’m (Reluctantly) Sitting Out ‘Wonder Woman’

Razan Azzarkani | July 6, 2017

As a Palestinian, I can't set aside my identity for two hours and root for an actor who spoke up for violence against people like me.

Trump's Master Class in Tax Deceit

Josh Hoxie | July 6, 2017

Three ways the president is selling tax cuts for the rich when no one actually wants them.

How to Honor Otto Warmbier

John Feffer | July 6, 2017

How should the United States respond to the detention and subsequent death of an American student who visited North Korea?

Is America’s Violent Century Coming to an End?

John Feffer | July 6, 2017

Quite the contrary: the United States, Dower argues, may have refined its techniques, but it has done nothing to minimize the brutality.

‘RussiaGate’ Alone Isn’t Going to Put Progressives Back in Power

John Feffer | June 30, 2017

Progressives have to devise a comprehensive alternative that responds to both the challenge of Russia and the failures of liberalism.

The Supreme Court’s ‘Muslim Ban’ Decision Is Terrifying

Maha Hilal | June 28, 2017

If the war on terror has taught us one thing, it's that harsh laws targeting non-citizens will eventually be extended to citizens, too.

Student Debt Means Fewer Public Servants — and More Bankers

Alyssa Aquino | June 28, 2017

Indebted students trained for public service are instead cutting bait and heading for Wall Street.

The U.S. Gives Refuge to Torture Victims from All Over — Except from Guantanamo

Maha Hilal | June 28, 2017

The U.S. hasn't agreed to resettle any of its own torture victims, much less offered any other form of accountability.

This Is What Reparations Could Actually Look Like In America

Chuck Collins | June 28, 2017

A tax on concentrated would have a positive impact on the economy for everyone, reducing the racialized, distorting impact of concentrated wealth.

Making Utility Bills Rise Again

Basav Sen | June 28, 2017

The mercury is rising, and so are utility bills. So why does this administration want to scrap those Energy Star labels that help us save?

minimum-living-wage-fight-for-15-protest-worker

The Seattle Minimum Wage Study Is Utter B.S.

Josh Hoxie | June 28, 2017

Fortunately for workers, credible research still points to raising the minimum wage as one reliable solution to the scourge of inequality.

cash-bills-hundreds-coins-wallet-hidden-wealth

How Wealth Managers Undermine Society and What We Can Do About It

Chuck Collins | June 22, 2017

An expert explains how shadowy practitioners of financial trickery help facilitate widespread tax evasion — and undermine democratic government.

The Real Reason Trump's Trying to Derail Cuba Advances

Netfa Freeman | June 22, 2017

Trump's motivations to reverse Obama-era policies have less to do with human rights, and more about fear of an example of a different kind of society, Netfa Freeman tells Rising Up with Sonali.