Company Directory - Stimson Center
Company Details - Stimson Center

Stimson Center
WebsiteWashington, D.C., United States
The Stimson Center is a non-profit think tank dedicated to promoting international security and sustainable global cooperation through research, education, and outreach.
CCI Score
CCI Score: Stimson Center
8.75
Latest Event
Stimson Center Publishes Cybersecurity Policy Memo
The Stimson Center released a policy memo on November 22, 2024, outlining five key priorities for the incoming U.S. administration to counter cyber threats. The memo emphasizes protecting critical infrastructure, enforcing accountability, enhancing interagency cooperation, promoting digital solidarity, and building cyber defense capacity. It criticizes the role of commercial spyware firms in enabling surveillance and censorship by authoritarian actors, and calls for policies that reinforce democratic oversight in cyberspace.
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OBJECTOR
Stimson Center is currently rated as an Objector.
Latest Events
- NOV222024
The Stimson Center released a policy memo on November 22, 2024, outlining five key priorities for the incoming U.S. administration to counter cyber threats. The memo emphasizes protecting critical infrastructure, enforcing accountability, enhancing interagency cooperation, promoting digital solidarity, and building cyber defense capacity. It criticizes the role of commercial spyware firms in enabling surveillance and censorship by authoritarian actors, and calls for policies that reinforce democratic oversight in cyberspace.
+80
Public and Political Behavior
April 9
The policy memo represents a proactive stance in reinforcing democratic norms and opposing authoritarian surveillance practices. By highlighting the dangers posed by commercial spyware firms and advocating for robust public and political measures, the Stimson Center aligns itself with progressive, anti-authoritarian values. This positive action supports efforts to promote transparency and accountability in cybersecurity policy, which is critical in countering digital authoritarianism.
- MAY012024
In May 2024, the Stimson Center cancelled an invitation for UN Watch’s executive director Hillel Neuer to participate in a panel, following claims from another panelist about Neuer’s contentious past. This decision has raised concerns about potential political censorship and exclusion of dissenting voices.
-50
Executive Political Engagement
April 9
The cancellation of Hillel Neuer’s speaking invitation demonstrates a concerning exercise of executive discretion that appears politically motivated. By excluding a figure known for challenging established narratives, the Stimson Center may be engaging in self-censorship that limits political debate and critical perspectives. This action aligns with authoritarian practices that stifle diverse viewpoints.
- APR162024
Stimson Center published a comprehensive research report on April 16, 2024, that examines the rapid expansion of digital surveillance technologies in North Korea. The report details how biometric data collection, facial recognition, and widespread surveillance networks contribute to reinforcing authoritarian control, thereby informing public debate and policymaking around state repression.
+80
Public and Political Behavior
April 9
The publication of this detailed research report serves to illuminate authoritarian surveillance practices in North Korea. By exposing how digital technologies are used to control and oppress citizens, the Stimson Center contributes positively to public dialogue and policy debates aimed at resisting state repression. This effort aligns with proactive, anti-authoritarian public behavior.
Digital Surveillance in North Korea: Moving Toward a Panopticon State • Stimson Center
- OCT042023
On October 4, 2023, the Stimson Center published a comprehensive report detailing how social media mis-/disinformation can facilitate offline violence and atrocities. The report analyzes a surge in hate speech following a major social media platform's purchase by Elon Musk and notes that the platform subsequently sued a research center for allegedly misrepresenting data. By offering methodological recommendations for systematic tracking of online disinformation, the research aims to inform early warning systems and counter authoritarian narratives.
+80
Public and Political Behavior
April 9
The publication actively challenges harmful disinformation and hate speech by providing evidence-based analysis and recommendations for early warning and policy intervention. This public engagement supports a progressive agenda by countering authoritarian narratives and promoting transparency in public discourse.
Social Media Mis-/Disinformation and the Risk of Atrocities in the United States • Stimson Center
+70
Technology and Services Impact
April 9
The report not only scrutinizes political narratives but also critically examines the technological dimensions of content moderation and data accessibility on social media platforms. By highlighting the impact of corporate practices on information dissemination and algorithmic bias, the research furthers the discourse on ensuring accountability in digital technology, reinforcing anti-fascist objectives.
Social Media Mis-/Disinformation and the Risk of Atrocities in the United States • Stimson Center
- MAR082023
Rep. Jack Bergman's Think Tank Transparency Act of 2023 highlights allegations that the Stimson Center received extensive Qatari funding and engaged in unregistered lobbying efforts, potentially influencing U.S. policy during a diplomatic crisis.
-70
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
April 9
The legislation introduced by Rep. Bergman points to concerns that the Stimson Center was involved in covert lobbying for a foreign principal (Qatar) without proper registration under FARA. Such activity undermines democratic accountability and suggests undue foreign influence in U.S. policy-making.
- JAN012022
An OpenSecrets profile indicates that during the 2022 cycle the Stimson Center reported modest contributions of $7,723 and no lobbying expenditures, reflecting minimal direct political financial engagement.
+20
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
April 9
The data from the OpenSecrets profile shows that the Stimson Center maintained a low level of political funding and did not engage in lobbying in the 2022 cycle. This limited political spending can be interpreted as a positive attribute from an anti-fascist perspective, as it minimizes the risk of exerting disproportionate influence on political processes that might foster authoritarianism.
- JUL192021
Rep. Jack Bergman called for a DOJ investigation into the Stimson Center over allegations that the nonprofit engaged in unregistered lobbying by opposing the Homeland and Cyber Threat (HACT) Act. The investigation centers on claims the organization acted as an unregistered agent for foreign interests, notably linked to Qatari funding, thereby compromising political transparency and potentially undermining U.S. legislative processes.
-80
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
October 6
The allegation that the Stimson Center lobbied against the HACT Act without registering as an agent of a foreign government, including ties with significant Qatari funding, raises serious concerns over foreign influence and a violation of FARA. Such behavior erodes political transparency and accountability, aligning with authoritarian influence and warranting a strongly negative rating.
- MAY112021
The Stimson Center’s policy recommendations addressing illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and forced labor practices in the seafood supply chain have been incorporated into the newly introduced Illegal Fishing and Forced Labor Prevention Act. The legislation, backed by bipartisan support, aims to enhance transparency, auditing, and enforcement measures that protect labor rights and improve supply chain accountability.
+70
Public and Political Behavior
April 9
The Stimson Center has played a proactive role in shaping public policy by offering detailed recommendations which have been adopted in bipartisan legislation. This underscores strong public and political engagement to counter practices associated with forced labor and illegal fishing, a key anti-authoritarian measure.
+75
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 9
By providing recommendations that focus on ending forced labor and improving human rights practices within the seafood industry, the Stimson Center actively supports stronger labor relations and ethical standards. This move helps highlight the nexus between human rights and sustainable supply chain management.
- JAN012020
Since 2020, the Stimson Center has lobbied against the bipartisan Homeland and Cyber Threat Act while its 'Just Security 2020' program is funded exclusively by Qatar, receiving at least $600,000 in 2019. This alignment raises concerns over foreign influence in U.S. policy making.
-70
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
April 9
The article details how the Stimson Center received sole funding from Qatar for its cybersecurity program and subsequently lobbied against cyber defense legislation. This exclusive foreign funding and lobbying activity is indicative of potential foreign influence in U.S. policy, which undermines transparency and national security.
Let's Bring Greater Transparency to Foreign Influence on Policy Making | Opinion
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