To improve "environmental and natural resource policymaking worldwide through objective social science research of the highest caliber."

"[T]o conduct research on questions of conflict and cooperation of importance for international peace and security, with the aim of contributing to an understanding of the conditions for peaceful solutions of international conflicts and for a stable peace."

To support Army and Department of Defense leadership and the curricula of the U.S. Army War College through "geostrategic and national security research and analysis."

"[T]o help community-based advocates produce, disseminate and use information, and so become more effective advocates for human rights and social justice."

"[T]o foster values-based leadership, encouraging individuals to reflect on the ideals and ideas that define a good society, and to provide a neutral and balanced venue for discussing and acting on critical issues."

"[T]o conduct high-quality, independent research and, based on that research, to provide innovative, practical recommendations that advance three broad goals:

• Strengthen American democracy;
• Foster the economic and social welfare, security and opportunity of all Americans and
• Secure a more open, safe, prosperous and cooperative international system."

"[T]o help achieve sustainable development primarily by expanding the world’s understanding of Earth as one integrated system."

"[T]o formulate and promote public policies to advance technological innovation and productivity internationally, in Washington, and in the states."

"[T]o influence and promote the adoption of sound policies to maintain and further international peace and security and civilised international relations by all actors able to realise this aim."

"[T]o prepare future leaders of the Armed Forces, State Department, and other civilian agencies for high-level policy, command, and staff responsibilities."

"[T]o explore ways of enhancing American security and prosperity while taking into account the legitimate perspectives of other nations....[T]o develop guiding principles for the United Statesí global engagement in a dramatically new international environment, principles which would combine hard-headed pragmatism and fundamental American values."

"[G]athers data, conducts research, evaluates programs, offers technical assistance overseas, and educates Americans on social and economic issues — to foster sound public policy and effective government."

"[T]o advance a balanced and realistic understanding of American interests in the Middle East."

"[T]o help: prevent and resolve violent international conflicts; promote post-conflict stability and development; increase conflict management capacity, tools, and intellectual capital worldwide."

To develop and champion "innovative policies that require a progressive and global point of view[, focusing on] complex challenges that demand cooperative policy solutions to achieve: an inclusive and sustainable global market economy, engaged global civic participation and effective governance, and collaborative approaches to national and global security."