Why We Are an Institute

I am deeply passionate about strategic intelligence—the science of long-term analysis of countries through the lenses of geography, history, demography, culture, resources, trade, infrastructure, politics, and military dynamics. This discipline seeks to decipher the intentions and capabilities of nations.

But why call this initiative an institute? Especially since, at the time of this writing, I am mostly a one-person operation and not a large organization affiliated with a university. Initially, I questioned whether "institute" was too ambitious, but the clarity of my mission and its alignment with the term’s meaning dispelled those doubts.

First, while currently a small operation, many great institutes began as modest endeavors driven by vision and purpose. The term "institute" reflects not just size but the weight of the mission.

Core Activity: Research and Education

At its heart, this institute is about research and education. I dedicate significant time to the pursuit of knowledge, analyzing data points to gain deeper insights, and sharing those insights through articles and books. This process—generating, structuring, and disseminating knowledge—sets this initiative apart from clubs and societies, which tend to prioritize the needs of their members. This distinction makes "institute" the most appropriate term for my mission.

Clear and Specific Purpose

This institute is dedicated to advancing knowledge in strategic intelligence while equipping the learned public, investors, and executives with actionable insights. Unlike a profit-driven company focused solely on financial gain or a think tank geared toward policy recommendations, this institute bridges multiple disciplines to produce independent, public-facing knowledge.

For example, our analyses of economic and military trends help investors navigate risks in volatile regions while also countering state propaganda. This broader societal benefit is central to the institute’s purpose and distinguishes it from other organizational structures.

Non-Profit and Public Good

As a non-profit entity, the institute serves the public good, not private interests. While I could have created a profit-driven consulting company catering exclusively to the financial sector, I chose inclusivity instead. Strategic intelligence affects far more people than just a select group of clients. Sharing research with a broader audience aligns with the institute’s mission to educate and empower a diverse range of stakeholders.

Independence and Objectivity

Independence and objectivity are critical pillars of this institute. Conclusions are drawn only after rigorous, evidence-based analysis, free from external influence or bias. Part of the mission is to combat propaganda—not to perpetuate it.

A Long-Term Endeavor

This is not a temporary project but a long-term commitment. I aspire to grow this initiative into a collaborative group and envision it as a lifelong journey that will hopefully outlast me. This dedication to longevity is a defining characteristic of an institute.

Interdisciplinary Approach

Strategic intelligence thrives on an interdisciplinary approach. By blending multiple disciplines—such as geography and cultural analysis—we can forecast political trends and uncover insights that single-discipline studies might miss. This ability to synthesize knowledge is central to the institute’s value. I am naturally more comfortable in this role, rather than being confined to a single silo of expertise.

Transparency and Accountability

Transparency and accountability are core to our ethos. Every aspect of the institute’s operations is open to scrutiny. For instance, we publish annual financial reports on our website, ensuring that our funding and activities remain fully transparent. This commitment further aligns with the expectations of an institute.

Conclusion

For all these reasons—its focus on research and education, commitment to the public good, independence, interdisciplinary nature, transparency, and long-term vision—"institute" is the most fitting term to describe this endeavor.