Diversity and Leadership in International Affairs Project

Decisionmaking processes that include diverse voices and perspectives lead to more ideas, more innovation, and more robust policy solutions. But many of those who are best positioned to provide those diverse perspectives are underrepresented, particularly at senior levels, in the organizations that lead policy development on U.S. national security and foreign policy priorities and challenges.

The Diversity and Leadership in International Affairs Project (DLIA) embodies a two-fold mandate focused on internally and externally facing programming. We aim to take a full-scope approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at CSIS, which includes supporting employees at every level through dedicated initiatives, ensuring support from top-level leadership, and establishing a transparent process for continuous engagement and growth. On the external front, we aim to promote diverse voices, facilitate meaningful conversations, and drive DEI strategy as an institutional imperative for the national security community.

Vision

CSIS envisions a workforce that embraces its collective mixture of differences and appropriately values how those differences enhance the organization’s ability to meet its overall mission. The Center provides policies and practices that support the cultural tone of inclusion and respect for all employees, forming the bedrock of our organization’s success. CSIS maintains leadership in fostering a more welcoming and inclusive workplace.

Mission

DLIA aims to ensure that the organization’s workforce is diverse, and its policies and practices support an inclusive culture. Through our programming, we strive to provide equal opportunity for all employees to realize their full potential, cultivate strategic external partnerships, and reenvision foreign policy using a DEI lens.