International Centre for Political & Strategic Studies
The International Center for Political and Strategic Studies (ICPSS) is an independent, non-profit Sudanese think tank established in June 2022. The Center focuses on producing high-quality research and strategic analysis related to political, security, social, and economic developments in Sudan, the Horn of Africa, and the broader regional and international environment.
The profile highlights the Center’s mission, institutional structure, research priorities, achievements, and strategic vision for playing a leading intellectual role in shaping policy discourse inside Sudan and its surrounding region.
Identity and Foundation
The ICPSS was founded to provide a credible, professional, and independent platform for research and policy analysis. It operates according to academic standards and intellectual integrity, aiming to fill a critical gap in evidence-based policy research within Sudan, especially during a period of political volatility and regional transformation.
The Center positions itself as:
- A hub for strategic and political studies
- A producer of applied research contributing to public policy
- A platform that connects scholars, experts, and policymakers
Its establishment reflects the rising need for objective analysis, policy-oriented research, and informed public dialogue in Sudan.
Our Vision
The ICPSS aspires to become: - A leading regional center for accurate strategic assessments - A trusted reference for reliable political and social information - A supporting institution for decision-makers in shaping stable, long-term policies The vision emphasizes contributing to sustainable development, stability, and better governance in Sudan and the wider region
Out Mission
The Center’s mission is structured around several key pillars: a. Knowledge Production Producing intellectual and scientific research that helps interpret political, economic, and social challenges, offering insights that support policymakers and society. b. Public Dialogue Promoting constructive and fact-based dialogue that shapes informed public opinion aligned with national interests. c. Policy Support Providing decision-makers with independent, research-backed analysis to guide strategies on governance, security, economy, and regional relations. d. Future-Oriented Thinking Serving as a “voice of knowledge” that contributes to designing better futures for Sudan.
Core Values
The Center is guided by essential principles: • Independence: Maintaining full academic and political neutrality • Professionalism: Upholding research quality and accuracy • Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and innovative analytical approaches These values underpin the Center’s credibility and methodological rigor.
Areas of Specialization
The Center’s research domain includes: 1. Sudan’s Internal Politics • Governance structures Political transitions • Security dynamics Peace processes and civil conflicts 2. Regional Relations • -The Horn of Africa - Sahel–Saharan developments -Chad, South Sudan, and the Central African region -Red Sea security 3. International Affairs Issues affecting Sudan’s stability, including: • -Global geopolitical competition - Foreign interventions • -Great-power relations in the region 4. Socio-Economic Studies • Economic trends - Development challenges • Social cohesion -Humanitarian conditions 5. Strategic and Security Studies • National security - Military dynamics • Non-state armed groups -Border and migration challenges
Research Output and Publications
While the profile varies by version, these typically include: • Strategic reports on Sudan and regional crises • Policy papers offering recommendations to decision-makers • Situation assessments on evolving conflicts • Thematic studies on governance, economy, and society • Expert commentaries and rapid-response analyses The Center appears committed to timely, evidence-based publications accessible to policymakers, media, and the academic community.
Partnerships and Collaboration
The ICPSS engages with: Regional research institutions -International think tanks • Academic universities -Experts and consultants These partnerships help enrich analyses, expand research networks, and elevate Sudanese perspectives on international platforms.
Capacity Building and Training
The Center may include (as is common in its publications): • Training workshops - Policy dialogues • Expert roundtables -Strategic foresight programs These activities aim to support the development of young researchers, journalists, and policymakers.
Role in the Sudanese Context
The ICPSS positions itself as a key analytical actor during a time of: • Civil conflict - Institutional fragmentation • Regional competition over Sudan -International diplomatic initiatives The Center contributes by: • Interpreting complex dynamics - Providing scenario-based analysis • Supporting peace and mediation efforts indirectly through research • Offering a platform for informed public discussion
Long-Term Strategic Goals
The profile demonstrates ambitions to: • Expand regional presence • Become a primary source of strategic insight in Northeast Africa • Strengthen research methodologies • Build a sustainable knowledge ecosystem in Sudan • Influence policy thinking toward stability and development
International Centre for Political & Strategic Studies Objectives
- Promote alternative approaches on various domains social, economic, developmental and political
- Support political and strategic national circles and policy-makers with consultancy, advice and scientific expertise.
- Capacity building and human resource development, earmarked specifically for helping women and the youth.
- Study the salient regional and global trends and changes with an eye to offering forward-looking approaches.
- Present strategic views on major crises and challenges arising in the area.
- Advocacy of democratic change, public freedoms, human rights and alternative approaches for the maintenance of peace and social order.
- Study the likely impact of modern technology, cyber threats and artificial intelligence on national security and local communities.
- Research the types and effects of local disputes, conflicts and the means of achieving peace and reconciliation.
Means & Tools
– Knowledge products, including periodical reports, pamphlets, specialised brochures and Situation Reports (SITREPs).
– Publication of books and peer-reviewed social science and cultural studies articles.
– Organize conferences, workshops and symposiums addressed to specialist researchers and to the public.
– Promote scientific research to be on a par with international standards.
– Promote collaboration smart partnerships with counterpart centres at both regional and international levels.
– Create and/or design digital platforms and effectively use social media networks (websites, Facebook, twitter, YouTube etc).
– Polling surveys – geared to gauging public opinion.
International Centre for Political & Strategic Studies
Director General’s Address
Research centers play a pivotal role in shaping public policy by providing analyses that help states manage their economic and political affairs. Based on Sudan’s pressing need for a credible research institution, we established the International Center for Political and Strategic Studies in 2022 as a national non-profit intellectual platform that benefits from the expertise of researchers and specialists, and contributes to building a strategic that serves the country’s interests.
Sudan enjoys a unique geopolitical location and vast natural resources, making it a focal point of international competition, especially amid escalating regional and global conflicts such as the Palestinian–Israeli war, the Russian–Ukrainian war, and the ongoing conflict in Sudan. These wars cast serious shadows over human, environmental, and economic security in the region.
As an independent, non-profit research institution, the Center seeks to study regional issues with scientific rigor and realistic insight, and to help shape an informed public opinion that supports national decision-making. We also affirm our openness to cooperation with research centers and experts to benefit from their experience and strengthen joint intellectual efforts.
We ask God for success and for the protection of Sudan from all harm.
Dr. Abdulaziz Noor Osher
Director General, International Center for Political and Strategic Studies (ICPSS)
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