Foreign Policy Research Institute

The Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) is a nonprofit public policy think tank based in the United States. Founded in 1955 by Ambassador Robert Strausz-Hupé, it focuses on conducting research in geopolitics, international relations, and international security. FPRI's mission is to bring scholarly insights to bear on U.S. foreign policy and national security challenges.

History

FPRI was established with support from the University of Pennsylvania and the Smith Richardson Foundation. Initially, it was a response to the foreign policy strategies of the Eisenhower administration, particularly the containment strategy of John Foster Dulles. Since its inception, FPRI has expanded its focus to include various international issues such as ethnic conflict, terrorism, and U.S. national security. In 1957, FPRI began publishing Orbis, a quarterly journal that remains one of its primary publications.

Research Programs

FPRI manages several research divisions and programs designed to address critical geopolitical issues:

• Program on National Security: Chaired by John Lehman Jr., this program focuses on advancing U.S. national security interests.
• Asia Program: Directed by Michael Beckley and chaired by Jacques deLisle, this program explores strategic issues related to Asia.
• Program on the Middle East: Led by James Ryan, this program analyzes Middle Eastern politics and security issues.
• Eurasia Program: Directed by Maia Otarashvili, this program examines geopolitical developments in Eurasia.
• Center for the Study of America and the West: Established in 1997, directed by Ronald J. Granieri, and chaired by Walter A. McDougall, this center explores American history and culture in a global context.
• Africa Program: Chaired by Charles A. Ray, this program addresses African geopolitical issues.

Education and Outreach

FPRI is dedicated to educating the public, teaching teachers, and training students about international affairs. It sponsors educational programs in local schools and organizes conferences and seminars for educators. FPRI aims to provide a nonpartisan perspective on contemporary international issues by integrating historical, geographical, and cultural insights.

Recent Initiatives

FPRI has recently focused on analyzing and distributing research related to election misinformation and disinformation promoted by foreign actors. This includes standardized reviews of state-sponsored media and indicators of nefarious influence in social media.

Governance

As of 2023, FPRI's board of trustees is chaired by Robert L. Freedman. Other key members include Dov S. Zakheim as vice-chair and notable figures such as Adrian A. Basora and Charles A. Ray.

Funding

FPRI operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, relying on contributions, grants, membership income, royalties, and editorial income for its operations.

Publications

FPRI publishes a range of materials, including:

• Orbis: A quarterly journal that has been in circulation since 1957.
• e-notes: A series of electronic newsletters.
• Foreign Policy Research Institute Footnotes and Wire: Additional publications providing insights into global affairs.