At the start of 2012, ICSR is pleased to announce a new and very distinguished group of high-level supporters. They are former practitioners and policymakers, who have been at the forefront of resolving conflict, fighting terrorism, and preventing violent radicalisation for decades.
They are from all over the world, representing different faiths, experiences, and political philosophies. What unites them is an appreciation of ICSR’s mission: the need for policymaking to be informed by objective and independent analysis.
We are proud for these highly respected individuals to have agreed to serve as ICSR Patrons, promoting our work, sharing their expertise, and adding insight to current and future projects. As ICSR enters its fifth year, they will help us build on our accomplishments.
PATRONS OF ICSR
Lord John Alderdice
Former Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly (1998-2004); former Leader of the Alliance Party of Northern Ireland (1987-1998)
“ICSR is unique, because it brings together the top policymakers with the top academics. It helps the policymakers understand what’s necessary; it makes the academics recognise what’s urgent; and it helps all of us to get it right.”
Hon. Arif Alikhan
Former Assistant Secretary for Policy Development, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (2009-11); former Deputy Mayor for Homeland Security, Los Angeles (2006-09)
“ICSR and its team of researchers have been a tremendous resource for policy makers in both Europe and the U.S. As a former policy official with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, I was very thankful for ICSR’s contributions to ou r examination of radicalisation and countering violent extremism. ICSR provided thoughtful analyses, gathered expertise from around the world, and brought key people together for insightful discussions on the complexities of the counter-radicalisation issue.”
Peter Clarke
Former UK National Coordinator of Terrorism Investigations and Head of Counterterrorism Command, London Metropolitan Police
“As a police officer, I can see just how important the work of ICSR is. It gives you the opportunity to take a step back and put what you are doing in a broader context. For practitioners, it’s really important to have smart, independent people who can give an objective assessment of when you’re right, and when you need to do better.”
Senator Chuck Hagel
Distinguished Professor in the Practice of National Governance, Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University; former U.S. Senator for Nebraska (1997-2009)
“The work done by ICSR is enormously important, because you have no hidden agenda other than finding the most intelligent solution to any given problem. Nowhere is this more critical than dealing with issues like terrorism, radicalisation, and political violence.”
President Chandrika Kumaratunga
Former President of Sri Lanka (1994-2005)
“The work done by ICSR is so important, because it looks at all kinds of terrorism and extremism. It helps us understand historical trends and patterns, so we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past.”
Rt. Hon. Paul Martin
Former Prime Minister of Canada (2003-06)
One of the greatest strengths of ICSR is its independence and neutrality. That’s why it reaches such an influential audience, and that’s why its reports are so widely respected and admired.”
President Andres Pastrana
Former President of Colombia (1998-2002); former Mayor of Bogota (1988-90)
“ICSR has a truly global perspective on the causes of violence and extremism. It’s a global network that brings together different perspectives and experiences, and allows us to learn from each other.”
Ambassador Mitchell B. Reiss
President of Washington College; former Director of Policy Planning, U.S. State Department (2003-05)
“ICSR provides a great platform for serious, constructive dialogue on the most hotly debated issues, as well as a source of world-class expertise on many of the international challenges we face.”
Hon. Frances Townsend
Former Assistant to the U.S. President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, and Chair of the Homeland Security Council (2004-08)
“The quality of your work is exceptional. You know how to do world class research – but you also know how to explain it to the public and the policymakers.”
Lord David Trimble
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate; former First Minister of Northern Ireland (1998-2002)
“What I like about ICSR is that it focuses on the causes of conflict and radicalisation. If we don’t understand the long-term trends, factors and roots of conflict, it’s impossible to make the transition to peace.”
Commissioner Antonio Vitorino
Former European Commissioner for Justice and Home Affairs (1999-2004); former Deputy Prime Minister of Portugal (1995-97)
“The research done by ICSR helped to shape our understanding of radicalisation and what can be done to prevent it. ICSR has played a critical role in making our countries safer and our societies more cohesive.”