Washington, DC

About CGS USA

The Centre for Governance Studies, USA (CGS USA) is an independent, nonpartisan nonprofit organization incorporated in the District of Columbia. Based in Washington, DC, CGS USA conducts and shares research, offers education and training, and organizes public dialogue in service of the public interest.
CGS USA works on democracy, governance, development, security, media, and human rights. Its approach rests on careful research and open discussion among scholars, policymakers, practitioners, journalists, civil society representatives, students, and the wider public.
A central focus of the organization is the relationship between the United States and South Asia. This includes strengthening policy, academic, and civic ties with Bangladesh, following regional developments across South Asia, and contributing to informed discussion on the Indo-Pacific and the Bay of Bengal.
CGS USA also recognizes the Bengali diaspora in the United States as an important community of knowledge and engagement, and works to create space for that community to take part in research, dialogue, and mentorship.
Through research, publications, seminars, conferences, and public education, CGS USA aims to make complex public issues easier to understand and to support informed, evidence-based policy conversations in the United States and beyond.

Who we are

CGS USA works on democracy, governance, development, security, media, human rights, and public institutions. Our approach rests on careful research and open discussion among scholars, policymakers, practitioners, journalists, civil society representatives, students, diaspora communities, and the wider public.

A central focus is the relationship between the United States and South Asia. This includes strengthening policy, academic, and civic ties with Bangladesh; following regional developments across South Asia; and contributing to informed discussion of the Indo-Pacific and the Bay of Bengal.

Through publications, seminars, conferences, roundtables, training, and public education, we aim to make complex public issues easier to understand and to support evidence-based policy conversation.

The U.S. organization

What makes the U.S. organization distinct

CGS USA is designed for a U.S. public-policy environment while remaining deeply connected to South Asian knowledge. It brings regional expertise into Washington conversations, translates U.S. policy debates for wider audiences, and creates sustained channels for collaboration across institutions and communities.

Meet the people accountable for this work

The Board of Directors is responsible for mission, strategy, financial oversight, and the independence of CGS USA.