Center for Security Policy

Center for Security Policy
Abbreviation CSP
Motto Peace through Strength
Formation 1988
Type National security think tank
Headquarters 1901 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Location
Founder and President
 Frank Gaffney
Website centerforsecuritypolicy.org

The Center for Security Policy (CSP) is a Washington, D.C. think tank that focuses on national security issues. CSP was founded in 1988 by Frank Gaffney, Jr. and advocates policies based on a philosophy of "Peace through Strength". Their belief is the well guided use of America's force to both enforce peace and to protect the United States as a whole.[1]

CSP is a non-profit, non-partisan organization.[1] Media organizations describe the organization as conservative or right of center.[2][3][4][5]

Frank Gaffney is the Founder and President of the Center for Security Policy in Washington, D.C.

Mission

The organization's mission is "To identify challenges and opportunities likely to affect American security, broadly defined, and to act promptly and creatively to ensure that they are the subject of focused national examination and effective action."[6] This simply describes the organization's policy of defending the United States of America.

Projects

The CSP's operations are organized into project areas that correspond to what it sees as the principal national security challenges facing the United States. Each project is designed to inform policymakers and the public about what the CSP sees as near and long range threats, devise appropriate actions, and then promote those ideas within the government, Capitol Hill, newspapers, radio, the internet, and television.

The following is a partial list of the areas the CSP's interests are divided for researching:

Shariah law

The Center for Security Policy says this about the imposing threat[7] of Shariah Law: "The Center has undertaken several campaigns to expose the threat to America from Shariah. American civil and political society is under systematic, sustained and seditious assault – a “Stealth Jihad” – by adherents to Shariah, the authoritative legal, political and military Islamic doctrine. These entities seek to install Shariah as a parallel legal and political system in the United States, constituting a separate governance system for the Muslim community with respect to family law, civil society, media and political discourse, finance and homeland security. Many patriotic U.S. organizations are already working at the national and local level to oppose these Jihadists and Shariah."[8] The Center opposes this unseen threat in an effort to protect the American population as a whole.

Defense

The CSP recognizes threats from around the world and uses media to inform the public of what they may not be seeing. It uses its Reaganesque policy of Peace through Strength to dictate how the military and the government should respond to threats in an effort to procure world peace. Their website states: "The military element of national power has arguably been the dominant factor by which a nation assesses its relative strength among the community of nations. Throughout history, the power of a nation has been cast in terms of the size and competence of its armed forces. Although a powerful military could not be sustained over the long haul without a prosperous economic base, it has been unusual, until recently in the case of China, to describe a country’s power in terms of its economic output or its dominance of key industrial or trade sectors."[9] To further describe the inability to secure peace without the proper tools their website also states: "Military forces remain the most visible instrument of national power, and the effectiveness of many other instruments depends implicitly on their being backed by a strong military force. Military strength as such then generally determines the symmetric ability of one nation to impose its will upon another nation. Thus, a great deal of truth remains in Frederick the Great’s observation, “Diplomacy without military force is like music without instruments."[9]

Homeland Security

In addition to countering far away threats, the Center strongly believes in the United State's ability to handle domestic threats. From natural disasters to terrorist attacks, the CSP aims to assist the numerous organizations available in protecting American well-being. This is described by their website. "The Center advocates strong security efforts by the government to prevent terrorist attacks within the United States, reduce America’s vulnerability to terrorism, and minimize the damage and recover from attacks that do occur. We track important developments in homeland security policies and programs in the United States National Guard, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the United States Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the United States Secret Service, the Transportation Security Administration, and Civil Air Patrol. Important issues include emergency preparedness and response; domestic intelligence activities; critical infrastructure protection; border security, including both land and maritime borders; transportation security, including aviation and maritime transportation; biodefense; detection of radioactive and radiological materials; and research on next-generation security technologies."[10]

Israel & the Middle East

The Center for Security Policy advocates the need for peace in the Middle East. This includes American response to the opposition of those goals. Their aims are accurately described by their website: "The Center’s Middle East Peace and Security Project is directed by our Adjunct Senior Fellow Caroline Glick. The project focuses on: American engagement in the region; ways to address ominous regional developments (e.g., Iran’s nuclear ambitions,[11] the rise of the Islamist “culture of death"[12]); and the decades long manipulation of the Middle East “peace process” that jeopardizes this country’s interests while weakening one of its most important allies, Israel – and, in the process, emboldening our common adversaries."[13] Recent involvements include the Hamas threat and continuing Antisemitism in the region as well as in the United States.[14][15]

Latin America

The CSP provides original research into the political developments taking place in South America. Topics discussed in the past include the radicalization of the Latin American grassroots, Hugo Chávez’s involvement in Colombian political scandals, and the ideological alliance between Chavez and Argentine President Néstor Kirchner. More recent discussions involve immigration and how it is affecting the United States.[16] To discuss such developments, they release a weekly report on the disposition and effects of South American politics.[17] This is known as the Americas Report. It is the featured product of the Menges Hemispheric Security Project, which is focused on observing and reporting news-worthy stories[16][18][19] originating in the Western Hemisphere.[20]

Sovereignty

The CSP describes its belief in American sovereignty by stating: "Since its founding in 1988, the Center for Security Policy has sought to ensure that American foreign and defense policies are guided by the time-tested philosophy of promoting peace through American strength. A fundamental precondition for the exercise of national power, of course, is the maintenance of U.S. control over the decision-making process – in short, sovereignty"[21] It also says: "The Center’s Sovereignty Project seeks to revitalize the determination of American leaders to develop policies free from undue international influence and to prevent the establishment of global government."[21] This exemplifies the center's belief in American independence. They see the need to protect America from both foreign and domestic influences.

National Security & New Media

The Center of Security Policy established the National Security & New Media project to better the lack of proper news media coverage of important issues such as national security. Their explanation is as follows: "The project’s goal is to focus attention and debate on this trend, and work towards a new standard of professionalism, patriotism and integrity in reporting on America’s vital national security interests."[22]

Methods

The Center does most of its advocacy work behind the scenes. However, its fellows routinely appear in the media for radio and TV interviews, and all publish widely in newspapers, journals, and other online news outlets.

CSP's official publications fall into a number of different categories:

Staff

The Center's administration consists of 11 highly respected members from varying backgrounds who carry out the duties assigned to them. Here is a list of each member and their correlative responsibilities:

President

Frank J. Gaffney, Jr. serves as the head executive. He is responsible for everything the Center does in regards to its operation but is not responsible for the opinions expressed on his site. In addition to maintaining the homeostasis of the Center's involvements, he also publishes decision briefs on national security issues that require near term action and in turn sends them to policy makers, coalitions, and the media as a detailed representation of the situation at hand.[23]

Chief Financial Officer

Shaun Seifert is responsible for the Center's fiscal elements. He maintains financial records as well as future monetary involvements. His role can best be described as the management and coordination of various business activities of the Center’s operations. He also oversees the Center’s internship program as well.[24]

Senior Vice President for Operations

William Philbin is in charge of the daily operation and general maintenance of the Center.[25][26]

Vice President for Research and Analysis

Clare Lopez's delegated responsibilities include management of various programs within the Center. She directs the Center’s counterjihad and shariah programs.[27]

Vice President for Government Relations

Ben Lerner manages the Center’s interactions with the federal government. In addition, he directs coalitions and projects concerning national security law, homeland security, nuclear deterrence, American sovereignty, and energy security. He is responsible for both researching and drafting publications regarding the policy of these, as well as other, areas.[28]

Director of State Legislative Outreach

Tommy Waller is in charge of the direction of the Center's cooperation and provision of information to the state legislature. He helps provide various services to the regional legislators.[29]

General Counsel

David Yerushalmi provides legal representation as well as consultation regarding the Center's legal operations. He informs the Center of the limits and proper procedure regarding legality.[30] In addition, he also publishes various articles on the Center's website.[31]

Editor-in-Chief of The Americas Report

Nancy Menges co-founded the Menges Hemispheric Security Project. She is in charge of the weekly edition of CSP’s Americas Report.[32]

Program Manager

Adam Savit administrates research, technology, and media projects for the Center. His additional contributions entail written publications, cinematography, video editing and production, and website management.[33] He ensures the website is running at its maximum potential and choreographs the various programs the Center is involved in. He publishes his own articles on their website as well.[34]

Director of the Threat Information Office

Kyle Shideler is the director of the Threat Information Office, a subgroup of the Center dedicated to informing the public, as well as politicians, of the various dangers that could detriment the country's well being.[35] "He works to inject serious research and analysis on the subject of Islamic terrorism and Shariah law into the beltway policy discussion, by challenging false assumptions and providing fully documented resources, primary research and influential talking points to policymakers, journalists, and foreign relations professionals."[36] He actively contributes articles to the CSP's website also.[37]

Manager of Public Information

Alex VanNess is responsible for the management and distribution of information released on behalf of the Center. This includes compiling the Center's Daily Brief, managing the Center's social media, and performing outreach to various media outlets. Additionally, he is the editor the Center's Quarterly Report and conducts research and analysis on various national security subjects. He publishes articles on an array of national security topics in various news publications, as well as on the Center's website.[38]

Board of Directors

The organization's Board of Directors oversee and act on certain issues they see as requiring their attention. It is made up of a larger committee of directors, each in charge of a certain aspect of the CSP's activities. At the head of the committee is a single chairman of the board, in charge of overseeing and organizing the committees meetings.

Chairman of the Board

E. Miles Prentice III

Partner, Eaton & Van Winkle, LLP

BA, Washington & Jefferson College; JD, University of Michigan

Directors

Bruce J. Brotman, J.D.[39]

Vice President of Strategic Plans, National Biometric Security Project

BA, Fairleigh Dickinson University; JD, University of Miami School of Law

Joe Colonnetta[40]

Partner, HM Capital, Dallas, Texas

Director, BlackBrush Oil & Gas, TexStar Midstream Services, UniTek USA and TriDimension Energy

Trustee, Texas Prepaid Higher Education Tuition Board

BS, University of Houston

Nina Cunningham, Ph.D[41]

Executive Director, Quidlibet Research, Inc.

James T. deGraffenreid

President, EEI Communications

Previously COO, U.S. Naval Institute and COO, Phillips Business Publishing

Frank J. Gaffney, Jr.[42]

President, Center for Security Policy

BS, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service; MA, Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies

Lt. Col. Marlin L. Hefti, USMC (Ret.)[43]

Vice President, Van Scoyoc Associates

BA, University of Iowa; MPA, University of Southern California

Dr. Dominic J. Monetta[44]

President, Resource Alternatives, Inc.

BS, Manhattan College; MS, The George Washington University; Ph.D, University of Southern California

Ebrahim Moussazadeh

President, Matrix Corporation and Evvtex Corporation

Member Board of Trustees, Hudson Institute and Texas Lutheran University

Dr. Jack London[45]

Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board, CACI

BS, U.S. Naval Academy; MS, Naval Postgraduate School; Ph.D, The George Washington University

Fellows

The Center also consists of several highly qualified members in fellowship. The following is a list of fellows from 2013-2014.

Hon. Fred Grandy, Distinguished Senior Fellow

J. Michael Waller, Ph.D., Senior Fellow

Stephen C. Coughlin, Esq., Senior Fellow

Lt. Col. Gordon Cucullu (Ret.), Senior Fellow

Nonie Darwish, Senior Fellow

Michael J. Del Rosso, Senior Fellow

Paula A. DeSutter, Senior Fellow

Manda Ervin, Senior Fellow

Frederick Fleitz, Senior Fellow

Kevin D. Freeman, Senior Fellow

Caroline Glick, Adjunct Fellow

Joseph E. Schmitz, Senior Fellow

Dr. Robert Zubrin, Senior Fellow

Funding

CSP is a 501(c)(3) organization. It gets funding from private individuals and an assortment of philanthropic foundations.[46]

Salon has reported that in 2013, CSP received donations from "Boeing ($25,000); General Dynamics ($15,000); Lockheed Martin ($15,000); Northrup Grumman ($5,000); Raytheon ($20,000); and General Electric ($5,000)".[47]

Global warming

The Center does not take an official position on global warming – it focuses its work on domestic and international politics. However, it is a member organization of the Cooler Heads Coalition which seeks to "dispel the myths of global warming by exposing flawed scientific, economic, and risk analysis."[48]

Motto

The Center for Security Policy's motto is "Peace through strength". According to the CSP, "The philosophy of 'Peace through Strength' is not a slogan for military might but a belief that America's national power must be preserved and properly used for it holds a unique global role in maintaining peace and stability."[6][49] The phrase was first used by Ronald Reagan during his elections against Jimmy Carter in 1980.

Awards

In recognition of various achievements, the Center hosts 4 awards for varying accomplishments.

Keeper of the Flame Award

"Since 1990, the Center for Security Policy has recognized individuals for devoting their public careers to the defense of the United States and American values around the world. Those extraordinary individuals are the Keepers of the Flame."[50] The majority of awards have gone to senior military figures and Republican politicians. A notable exception to this pattern is world chess champion, Garry Kasparov.

Freedom Flame Award

"The Freedom Flame Award recognizes individuals who have exemplified the ideals of freedom, democracy, economic opportunity and international strength to which the Center for Security Policy is committed."[51]

Mightier Pen Award

"The ‘Mightier Pen’ Award was launched in 2001 in recognition of individuals who have, through their published writings, contributed to the public’s appreciation of the need for robust U.S. national security policies and military strength as an indispensable ingredient in promoting international peace."

The Sacred Honor Award

"The Sacred Honor Award is named after the solemn vow made by the signers of the Declaration of Independence when they wrote, “We mutually pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”" There are no recipients of this award as of yet.

Prominent members

Recent publications

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Center for Security Policy, "About Us," centerforsecuritypolicy.org, http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/about_us.xml.
  2. ↑ Towell, Pat (January 21, 2000). "The Limits of Intervention". Congressional Quarterly Weekly.
  3. ↑ Merica, Dan (March 2, 2012). "Muslim campaign looks to repair Sharia's reputation". CNN.
  4. ↑ Kurtz, Howard (October 23, 2009). "Armchair Quarterbacks". Washington Post.
  5. ↑ Gross, Terri (August 9, 2011). "Who's Behind The Movement To Ban Shariah Law?". Fresh Air. National Public Radio.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/about-us/
  7. ↑ http://shariahthethreat.org/
  8. ↑ http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/category/shariah/
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/category/defense/
  10. ↑ http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/category/homeland-security/
  11. ↑ http://nationalinterest.org/feature/the-road-bad-nuclear-deal-iran-10962
  12. ↑ Irm, Haleem (2012). The Essence of Islamist Extremism: Recognition Through Violence, Freedom through death. Routlege (Taylor and Francis Group). Retrieved 29 July 2014.
  13. ↑ http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/category/israel-the-middle-east/
  14. ↑ http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/2014/07/25/before-peace-can-be-reached-hamas-must-recognize-israels-right-to-exist/
  15. ↑ http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/2014/07/24/obama-to-the-rescue-of-hamas/
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/2014/06/18/invasion-on-our-southern-border/
  17. ↑ http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/the-americas-report/
  18. ↑ http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/2014/07/15/jose-cardenas-venezuela-latest-developments-and-the-case-for-sanctions/
  19. ↑ http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/2014/07/09/rep-randy-weber-its-time-to-put-america-first-on-immigration-policy/
  20. ↑ http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/category/regions/latin-america/
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/category/sovereignty/
  22. ↑ http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/category/national-security-new-media/
  23. ↑ http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/type/frank-gaffney/
  24. ↑ http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/about-us/staff/
  25. ↑ http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/about-us/staff/
  26. ↑ http://www.hstoday.us/industry-news/people-on-the-move/single-article/bill-philbin-joins-center-for-security-policy-as-senior-vp-for-operations/d81b9d86203d672c7090a2cfc24e2145.html
  27. ↑ http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/about-us/staff/
  28. ↑ http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/about-us/staff/
  29. ↑ http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/about-us/staff/
  30. ↑ http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/about-us/staff/
  31. ↑ http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/author/imp_david_yerushalmi/
  32. ↑ http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/about-us/staff/
  33. ↑ http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/about-us/staff/
  34. ↑ http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/author/imp_adam_savit/
  35. ↑ http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/about-us/staff/
  36. ↑ http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/2014/07/23/siege-for-siege-hamas-claims-victory-through-western-airline-capitulations/ Scroll down and read author bio
  37. ↑ http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/author/kshideler/
  38. ↑ http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/author/alex-vanness/
  39. ↑ http://www.biometrics.org/bc2004/CD/PDF_PROCEEDINGS/bc165a_BrotmanBio.pdf
  40. ↑ http://www.forbes.com/profile/joseph-colonnetta/
  41. ↑ http://ninacunningham.tumblr.com/
  42. ↑ http://www.washingtontimes.com/staff/frank-j-gaffney-jr/
  43. ↑ http://www.ourmilitarykids.org/about-us/advisory-board/marlin-hefti/
  44. ↑ http://resourcealternatives.com/dominic-j-monetta
  45. ↑ https://www.caci.com/about/bios/london.shtml
  46. ↑ http://www.mediatransparency.org/recipientgrants.php?recipientID=489 Center for Security Policy grant listing, Media Transparency.com
  47. ↑ Clifton, Eli (1 October 2014). "Look who’s backing Islamophobe Frank Gaffney". www.salon.com (Salon Media Group, Inc.). Retrieved 1 October 2014.
  48. ↑ "About". Competitive Enterprise Institute. Retrieved 16 October 2009.
  49. ↑ http://www.rightweb.irc-online.org/profile/center_for_security_policy
  50. ↑ http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/modules/newsmanager/inside%20the%20ctr%20images%20pdfs/AnnualReport2001.pdf Center for Security Policy, Annual Report 2001
  51. ↑ http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/about-us/events/freedom-flame-award/

External links