Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) is an independent international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control, and disarmament. Founded in 1966, SIPRI provides data, analysis, and recommendations, based on open sources, to policymakers, researchers, media, and the interested public.
History and Establishment
SIPRI was established in 1966 by the Swedish Parliament as an independent foundation to commemorate Sweden’s 150 years of unbroken peace. The decision to create SIPRI was influenced by the international disarmament debate of the 1960s, which highlighted the need for an independent research institute to study peace and conflict issues.
The institute’s first director was Robert Neild, a British economist and former member of the British Ministry of Defence. Over the years, SIPRI has been led by prominent figures in the field of peace and conflict research, such as Frank Barnaby, Adam Daniel Rotfeld, and Dan Smith.
Research Areas and Activities
SIPRI conducts research on a wide range of topics related to peace and security, including:
- Armament and Disarmament: SIPRI studies global and regional trends in military expenditure, arms production and transfers, and non-proliferation.
- Conflict and Peace: The institute analyzes armed conflicts, conflict management, peacebuilding, and the relationship between climate change and conflict.
- Governance and Society: SIPRI examines the role of governance, institutions, and society in promoting peace and security.
SIPRI’s research is organized into several programs and projects, such as the Arms and Military Expenditure Programme, the Dual-Use and Arms Trade Control Programme, and the Sahel and West Africa Programme.
Publications and Databases
SIPRI disseminates its research findings through a variety of publications and online resources, including:
- SIPRI Yearbook: An annual compendium of data and analysis on armaments, disarmament, and international security.
- SIPRI Arms Transfers Database: A comprehensive database of international arms transfers since 1950.
- SIPRI Military Expenditure Database: A database of military expenditure data for over 170 countries since 1949.
- SIPRI Multilateral Peace Operations Database: A database of multilateral peace operations worldwide since 2000.
In addition to these flagship publications, SIPRI also produces policy papers, research reports, and books on various peace and security topics.
International Cooperation and Outreach
SIPRI collaborates with a wide network of research partners, policymakers, and international organizations to promote peace and security worldwide. The institute has formal cooperation agreements with the United Nations, the European Union, and the African Union, among others.
SIPRI also engages in public outreach and education activities, such as hosting conferences, seminars, and workshops, and providing expert commentary to media outlets on peace and security issues.
Funding and Governance
SIPRI is funded by a combination of grants from the Swedish government, research grants from international organizations and foundations, and voluntary contributions from governments and other donors. The institute is governed by an international Governing Board, which is responsible for the strategic direction and oversight of SIPRI’s activities.
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute plays a crucial role in advancing the understanding of peace and conflict issues through its independent research, data collection, and analysis. By providing policymakers and the public with reliable and impartial information, SIPRI contributes to informed decision-making and the promotion of sustainable peace worldwide.
