Mission
The Afghan Institute for Strategic Studies (AISS) was established in October 2012 and has since become a premier research institution in Afghanistan. It aims to create an intellectual space for addressing strategic issues pertaining to Afghanistan in the wider regional and international contexts. AISS seeks to foster timely discussions on Afghanistan by publishing high-quality research reports and promoting dialogue amongst a wide spectrum of stakeholders. All our activities and programs are based on the principles of Professionalism, Independence, Internationalism and Progressive Values..
Objective And Goals
The AISS is an independent, not-for-profit research institute dedicated to providing qualitative, non-partisan and policy-oriented research, publication, translation of books/reports, professional training and policy advocacy with distinct focus on Afghanistan. A cross-cutting priority of AISS is to empower the youth through specific programmatic initiatives, as the youth represent the future of the country.
Means And Activities
In order to contribute to ongoing efforts in consolidating Afghanistan’s fragile achievements and realize the nation’s immense human and natural resources, the AISS uses a series of instruments, including:
- Conducting independent researches
- Entering partnership agreement with respected and like-minded research institutes
- Publication (books and journals)
- Translation of important books/articles from English into Farsi/Pashto and vice versa
- Organizing seminars, conferences, workshops (provincial , national, international) and briefings
- Offering executive type leadership training programs
- Initiating and sponsoring annual public awards for recognizing outstanding Afghan youth and international personality
- Integrating conventional and modern social media tools/networks in all its activities.
Research Focus Areas
The AISS conducts timely research in a broad range of political, economics and societal issues. Our current research areas include: Democratic-state building process; National Security; Sustainable Economic Development; Regional Cooperation/integration; US/West-Afghanistan Strategic partnerships; Islamic Renaissance; and Khorassan of ideas (national/regional cultural integration/renewal).
Financial Sustainability
The AISS’ financial sustainability strategy is based on five principles: Maintaining independence; Transparency; Sustainability; Voluntarism and Eclectic approach. To this end, it aims to attract support from legitimate and like-minded sources as well as generating its own sources, including by offering subscription-based products and consultancy services.
Governance
The AISS organization comprises of three layers:
1. Executive/administrative
2. Academic
3. Board of Advisors.