Founded in late 1989, the Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD) is an interdisciplinary public policy institute dedicated to the values of democracy and market economy. CSD is a non-partisan, independent organization fostering the reform process in Europe through impact on policy and civil society.
CSD works at the forefront of developing effective methods, tools, and approaches for tackling complex issues such as corruption, trans-border organised crime, and radicalisation, including violent extremism and terrorism, all of which are pertinent to countering weapon proliferation and strengthening disarmament efforts and policies within the European Union. CSD has extensive expertise in the analysis of illicit markets and smuggling practices. Collaborative work in this area includes joint initiatives with the South Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SEESAC), among others. Since 2012 CSD serves as the Methodological Coordinator of the largest indigenous network of over 40 civil society organisations (CSOs) and think-tanks from the Western Balkan countries, Romania, Moldova and Turkey – Southeast European Leadership for Development and Integrity (www.seldi.net), working on good governance and anti-corruption and supported through the years by grants from the European Commission (DG NEAR) and other international organisations.