Focusing on Connections: A Message from the Director

At the Sié Chéou-Kang Center, we are committed to research that seeks to understand security, prosperity and social justice by focusing on connections – between issues, between communities, and between theory and practice. 

The global concerns we face are significant: from climate change, violence, extremism, and the weaponization of information and interdependence to economic inequality, racial and gender injustice, and a loss of trust in many long-standing institutions. The COVID-19 global pandemic intensified many of these. 

As the Sié Center celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2021, our award-winning research team brings expertise on climate change, economics, gender, governance, human rights, security, and technology as they relate to each other and interact at global, national, and local levels.

Well versed in the actions of governments, but attentive to the security and governance activities of companies, NGOs, international organizations, community groups, journalists, and even academics, the Center's faculty are committed to research that is both useful in the world and informed by a responsible engagement with it. Responsible engagement endeavors to generate better understanding between theory and practice and to encourage reflection on the consequences of action wherever it is taken.

We engage with social and political communities aiming to make the world more inclusive, welcoming, peaceful, and just. Our approach has attracted internationally recognized scholars, partnerships with key policy organizations, generous foundation funding, and high-caliber students, all of whom play important roles in our research projects.

We welcome your engagement with us. Please explore and feel free to be in touch.

Deborah Avant
Distinguished University Professor, Sié Chéou-Kang Chair, and Director