About the Institute for Strategic Dialogue

The Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) is fiercely independent and dedicated to safeguarding individual rights, democratic process, national security and public safety against the rising tide of authoritarianism and extremism globally. 

The Problem We Face 

Today’s risk environment is complex, with terrorist mobilisation, extremist violence and lone wolf attacks posing a profound threat to the safety of citizens and the stability of democracies. These risks are compounded by foreign influence campaigns from authoritarian states, using highly sophisticated methods to corrode and attack democratic practices and public safety.

The result has been a dangerous rise in terrorism, hate crime and violence, and the normalisation of conspiracy and extremist ideas. The advent of generative AI makes a comprehensive response to these threats all the more urgent.

Our Response 

ISD has been at the forefront of analysing and innovating solutions to the threats of violent groups, hostile influence operations and extremism of all ideological forms for two decades. Our team of researchers, experts, communications and policy specialists, frontline practitioners and technologists keep ISD’s work systematically ahead of the curve in the fight to safeguard communities and democratic process. Our work is underpinned by our values of integrity, collaboration, agility and courage. 

Our Reach

ISD partners with governments, cities, policymakers, businesses and communities to deliver impact at scale. 
 
With teams in the UK, US, Germany, Jordan, Canada and France, we tackle a broad range of threats, from extremists and hate groups to hostile state actors and conspiracy movements. We work and partner with multilateral institutions, national and local governments, foundations, NGOs and frontline workers.