WASHINGTON — The Stimson Center ranks 10th among all US think tanks and is among the top 20 defense and national security think tanks globally according to an annual report from the Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania. This is the seventh year that Stimson has been listed among the top 25 think tanks in the United States.
Stimson was also recognized for its response to COVID-19 and in the Best New Idea or Paradigm category, highlighting both the institution’s resilience and unique solutions-focused approach. (Full report)
Stimson President and CEO Brian Finlay said: “Our focus has always been on policy innovation, independent analysis, and pragmatic engagement in pursuit of international security, shared prosperity, and justice. We will continue to measure our success by the impact our work has around the world. I am proud of the fact that even in the face of today’s challenges, our team has been able to adapt and grow — a testament to their dedication, resilience, and scholarship.”
Stimson’s #2 ranking in the Best New Idea or Paradigm category highlights innovation across a range of research areas. Innovative projects at Stimson during 2020 include:
- Mekong River Infrastructure Tracker. A data tool that helps planners and researchers understand the impacts of infrastructure in the Mekong Region.
- Strategic Learning. Online education that offers students a comprehensive overview of deterrence in theory and practice from the Cold War to Southern Asia today.
- The SLAFKA Prototype. In first-of-its-kind effort, this DLT-based prototype is being used to explore new approaches to nuclear material accountancy and control.
- Military Coercion and US Foreign Policy. A new dataset and statistical modeling challenged conventional wisdom on US military coercion.
- The Climate and Ocean Risk Vulnerability Index (CORVI). This new tool was used to measure the risks posed by climate change to Caribbean cities.
- Mekong Dam Monitor. For the first time, remote sensing, satellite imagery, and GIS brought transparency to China’s cascade of dams on the upper Mekong River.
Also recognized: Stimson’s dedication to quality assurance and integrity with a #7 ranking. Stimson’s commitment to transparency is why we publish our ethics and independence policies, funding sources, and workforce demographics.
THE STIMSON CENTER promotes international security, shared prosperity & justice through applied research and independent analysis, deep engagement, and policy innovation.
For three decades, Stimson has been a leading voice on urgent global issues. Founded in the twilight years of the Cold War, the Stimson Center pioneered practical new steps toward stability and security in an uncertain world. Today, as changes in power and technology usher in a challenging new era, Stimson is at the forefront: Engaging new voices, generating innovative ideas and analysis, and building solutions to promote international security, prosperity, and justice.