Mission

NBR conducts advanced independent research on strategic, political, economic, globalization, health, and energy issues affecting U.S. relations with Asia. Drawing upon an extensive network of the world’s leading specialists and leveraging the latest technology, NBR bridges the academic, business, and policy arenas.

NBR disseminates its research through briefings, publications, conferences, Congressional testimony, and email forums, and by collaborating with leading institutions worldwide. NBR also provides exceptional internship opportunities to graduate and undergraduate students for the purposes of attracting and training the next generation of Asia specialists.

NBR’s Research

The National Bureau of Asian Research is committed to advanced independent research on issues affecting U.S. relations with Asia. Much of NBR’s research is undertaken by the world’s best specialists, working under contract on specific research projects. NBR develops research guidelines for these projects, but the specialists conduct independent research and reach independent conclusions, which are subject to peer review before publication.

Funding for NBR’s research comes from NBR itself, foundations, corporations, the U.S. Government, and individuals. NBR undertakes a small amount of contract work for public and private sector organizations, but always reserves the right to publish findings from such work. NBR does not undertake classified or proprietary research work.

History

The origins of The National Bureau of Asian Research date back to Senator Henry M. Jackson, who believed that an urgent need existed for an institution that could tap the nation’s best expertise to study Asia and Russia with U.S. national interests in mind. NBR was established in 1989 with major grants from the Henry M. Jackson Foundation and the Boeing Company, and both institutions continue to provide critical core support for the organization to this day.

Senator Jackson’s legacy shapes NBR’s essential values: integrity, honesty, concern for people, loyalty, importance of foreign policy, integration of realism and idealism in foreign policy, importance of China and relations among the great powers, and the importance of bipartisanship in making policy.