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CSIS recognized among global influential think tanks
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Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) executive director Phillips J. Vermonte (right) and CSIS researcher Arya Fernandes speak at a press briefing in Jakarta in September 2017. (JP/Seto Wardhana)
T
he Jakarta-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) has been recognized as one of the most influential think tanks in the world, according to the 2020 Global Go To Think Tank Index.
The center was ranked 12th in the Foreign Policy and International Affairs Think Tank category. The index was recently published by United States-based Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program (TTCSP) at the Lauder Institute of the University of Pennsylvania.
The program assessed think tanks across the globe based on the quality and reputation of their research, analysis and staff. It also measured the quality and quantity of their publications, reputation with policymakers and in the media as well as access to key institutions and the ability to bridge the gap between policymakers, academics and the public.
We are delighted to be voted as the 12th best Foreign Policy and International Affairs Think Tank globally according to @TTCSP at @Penn
Once again, thank you for our friends and partners, here and abroad, for their trust, support, and collaboration throughout the years! pic.twitter.com/fwaQexIf5t
— CSIS Indonesia (@CSISIndonesia) January 29, 2021
The Jakarta-based institution, which turns 50 this year, climbed from 47th position in 2017 to 30th in 2018 and 2019.
The CSIS is closing into other leading think tanks in the foreign policy category. United States-based Brookings Institution and Carnegie Endowment for International Peace were placed in the first and second position, respectively, followed by China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR) in third rank.
“We have achieved this because of our researchers and staff who remained productive amid the pandemic. This is also thanks to our transition to a new digital culture that we have started before the pandemic hit,” CSIS executive director Philips J. Vermonte told The Jakarta Post on Friday.
He added that the pandemic was “a blessing in disguise”, because policy-oriented research became increasingly relevant. During the pandemic, the general public actively sought out analysis about what was happening in various sectors, including the economy, public health and international relations.
The CSIS continues to publish books, reports and policy papers, on top of organizing dozens of webinars and publishing daily commentaries on COVID-19 response measures.
“All think tanks are adapting to new situations in the digital environment for more outreach. [We did that] not only through direct discussions with policymakers but also social media platforms, which is increasingly effective in reaching relevant policymakers,” he said.
The CSIS also performed well regionally, as it ranked second under the South, Southeast Asia and Pacific category after the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA). The CSIS previously held the top position in the 2018 Index.
Other think tanks from Indonesia have also been catching up in the region, including the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) in fifth position, the Institute of National Capacity Studies in 50th and the Centre of Indonesia Policy Studies in 74th.
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) ranked 26th in the Top Environment Policy Think Tanks category, while Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) also ranked 26th in the Transparency and Good Governance Think Tanks category.
