Mission, Vision, Values, and Objectives
The commitments that guide every CGS USA program, publication, and decision.
Mission
To advance independent research, evidence-based public policy, and informed dialogue on democracy, governance, development, security, media, and human rights, and to strengthen the relationship between the United States and South Asia.
Vision
A future in which public institutions are accountable, democratic participation is meaningful, development is inclusive, societies are secure and well informed, and the United States and South Asia are connected through knowledge, dialogue, and cooperation.
Eight commitments we hold ourselves to
Independence
Our analysis and dialogue are not directed by partisan, governmental, donor, or commercial interests.
Evidence
We ground research and discussion in credible information, transparent methods, and careful study.
Nonpartisanship
We engage issues and institutions without supporting or opposing candidates or political parties.
Pluralism
We welcome diverse perspectives and make room for respectful, evidence-based disagreement.
Integrity
We value accuracy, transparency, fairness, disclosure, and correction.
Inclusion
We seek participation across professional, political, social, geographic, generational, and disability experiences.
Public service
We aim to make our research useful to policymakers, practitioners, educators, journalists, and the public.
Regional connection
We value sustained ties among the United States, Bangladesh, South Asia, the Indo-Pacific, the Bay of Bengal, and diaspora communities.
Core objectives
- Produce and share research on governance, democracy, development, security, media, human rights, and public institutions.
- Strengthen informed discussion of U.S.-South Asia relations, including the U.S.-Bangladesh relationship.
- Study strategic, economic, environmental, and social developments across the Indo-Pacific and the Bay of Bengal.
- Create open platforms for seminars, conferences, roundtables, and policy dialogues.
- Publish research reports, policy briefs, working papers, explainers, commentary, and educational resources.
- Engage Bengali and South Asian diaspora communities in research, dialogue, professional networks, and mentorship.
- Support education and training for students, researchers, professionals, journalists, and civic leaders.
- Connect academic research with policy practice and public understanding.
- Build responsible partnerships among institutions and individuals working on shared public-policy questions.
See the commitments in practice
Programs turn these objectives into sustained bodies of work; the research archive shows the output.