Interesting peek into policy strategizing group

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http://www.herzliyaconference.org/Eng/_Articles/Article.asp?CategoryID=215&ArticleID=1542

The Institute for Policy and Strategy
26/02/06
The Institute for Policy and Strategy (IPS) was established in 2000 as part of the Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy and Strategy at the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya (IDC). Its primary objective is to enhance Israel’s national policy and contribute to the upgrading of its strategic decision-making process, through rigorous policy-driven research and direct discussion between policy analysts and policy-makers. It is characterized by its variety of disciplines and inputs, and by its interdisciplinary, integrative, comprehensive and future-oriented approach towards solving national problems.

The IPS conducts research on a broad analytical scope, concentrating on identifying emerging issues and future trends which pertain to national strength and security, and invests in analysis and innovative methodology. The flagship of the IPS activities is the annual Herzliya Conference on the Balance of Israel’s National Security, which has become a key event for Israel’s political, military, intelligence, economic, and social leadership, and is considered the center stage for the articulation of national policy. IPS also commissions task forces and advisory panels of highly qualified individuals of diverse outlooks, experience, and expertise. These teams, established on an ad hoc basis or on official government request, provide integrative assessments and policy advice. They function on a nonpartisan, independent basis and their reports are usually submitted and discussed at the Herzliya Conference.

In the framework of the Herzliya Forum, the IPS holds symposia and round-tables on issues which are on the national agenda. The IPS also conducts the Herzliya Workshops, which expose participants to the most up-to-date trends in global strategic thinking, and thus deepen their knowledge and expand their strategic and policy-oriented thinking in the fields of defense, intelligence and international affairs. These programs are offered to high-level executive groups in tailored configurations.

The IPS initiated the Herzliya Indices, which are an innovative methodological attempt to construct an objective yardstick for Israel’s national condition. These indices, compiled and analyzed by expert teams commissioned by the IPS, provide standardized and comparative means for assessing the country’s economic, social and political situation. The IPS is currently developing additional "subjective" indices on the scientific and psychological aspects of the national situation.

The IPS's expertise in global and regional developments which influence Israel's national security have made it a source for in-depth briefings. Foreign diplomats and officials meet with the heads of the IPS to receive updated analyses of the country's current political, social and security situation, as well as its foreign policy and international status.


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