What is the SAM Center?
Center for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan (known by the acronym SAM – Strateji Araşdırmalar Mərkəzi – in the Azerbaijani language) is Azerbaijan’s first governmental, non-profit think tank founded on November 12, 2007 by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev. Its headquarters is located in Baku, Azerbaijan.
What is the SAM Center's mission?
As a research and policy recommending institution dedicated to innovative studies on national, regional and international issues, SAM provides an intellectual forum for international dialogue to bring different views together with the aim of contributing towards the formation of a common ground. The mission of SAM is to promote collaborative research, enhance the strategic debate and provide decision-makers with high-quality analysis and innovative proposals for action.
When and why was the SAM Center formed?
SAM was established on November 12, 2007 with the purpose of implementing the coordination of strategic studies carried out in the Republic of Azerbaijan and also to provide scientific-analytical information to high-ranking public administration bodies within the Government of Azerbaijan. The objective of SAM is to produce the most up-to-date and accurate analyses in the fields of politics, economics and security; and to inform policy makers and the public on political, economic, security and development challenges.
What does the SAM Center do?
The main activities of SAM are to observe and analyze the most important directions of domestic and foreign policy, examine geopolitical events and international problems, make forecasts on future developments and research the factors which could influence relevant processes. Through publications, brainstorming meetings, conferences and policy recommendations, SAM conducts rigorous research with a forward-looking policy orientation, thus bringing new perspectives to strategic discussions and contributing to the informed decision making mechanisms in Azerbaijan. Taking account of all these duties, SAM prepares various programs, theories and doctrines corresponding to Azerbaijan’s state interests and national security.
How is the Center organized?
The Center for Strategic Studies is divided into four main departments that help to carry out its
objectives:
- Domestic Policy Analysis Department
- Foreign Policy Analysis Department
- Economic Analysis and Global Affairs Department
- Financial-Administrative Department
What is the research focus at the SAM Center?
The research focus of SAM is formed along a number of important directions. These include observing geopolitical processes and world politics; analyzing and providing the current state of world affairs, preparing various programs (national and lobbying programs), theories, scenarios and other analytical documents on the basis of factors which could influence the relevant processes in the world and the region.
At the same time, SAM provides the coordination of activities of government bodies and institutions. Supporting them, the Center provides them with scientific and analytical data and obtains the necessary information from them. For this purpose, information is ordered from state bodies and, on the basis of the received data, recommendations are made.
How is the SAM Center financed?
SAM is funded by the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Can I attend events of the SAM Center?
The SAM Center runs many different types of events including conferences, round tables and discussion meetings. Many of our events are open to a wide audience. Check the Event Schedule for more information.
