Mission

The George Washington University Homeland Security Policy Institute (HSPI) is a non-partisan “think and do” tank whose mission is to build bridges between theory and practice to advance homeland security through a multi and interdisciplinary approach. By convening domestic and international policymakers and practitioners at all levels of government, the private sector, and academia, HSPI creates innovative strategies and solution to current and future threats to the nation.

Who We Are

Through its Steering Committee, corps of Senior Fellows, and network of international experts and staff, HSPI draws upon leaders and recognized subject matter experts from numerous disciplines relevant to national and homeland security – defense, intelligence, counter terrorism, public diplomacy, private and community sectors, health care, behavioral sciences, religion and emergency management to name a few. HSPI has garnered a reputation as being the forum where complex security issues can be debated in confidential sessions and lead to practical strategies and solutions to address the causes and consequences of terrorism. These resulting solutions provide a foundation for reducing threats to the nation and contribute to preventing the expansion of groups and individuals inclined to use terrorism as an outlet for their general dissatisfaction with American policy and culture.

As part of the George Washington University Medical Center, HSPI leadership and staff experience first hand the interaction between the operation and policy worlds on a daily basis.

Through its interface with the White House, executive branch departments and Congress, and ability to ground theory in practice, HSPI is able to increase awareness and education of policymakers, practitioners and the public. By understanding the larger political, cultural and religious contexts within which extremist threats are evolving, HSPI guides the development and implementation of effective policies/initiatives/programs.