EastWest Institute
John Edwin Mroz and Ira D. Wallach established the Institute for East-West Security Studies in 1980. They set out to study means of addressing areas of political dispute across the Iron Curtain. The organization operated as an independent, global entity from its inception. Mroz served as president and CEO for thirty-four years until his death in 2014. Their goal was creating trusted settings for candid, global discourse among leaders. This approach aimed to tackle intractable security and stability challenges without partisan bias. The institute employed networks within political, military, and business establishments in the United States, Europe, and the former Soviet Union.
In 1984, EWI hosted the first track two military-to-military discussions between NATO and Warsaw Pact countries. These talks focused heavily on establishing confidence-building measures between the two parties. The dialogue ultimately resulted in an agreement requiring each side to alert the other of troop movements. This event marked a significant shift in how opposing military blocs communicated during the Cold War era. The institute facilitated these conversations by providing neutral ground for high-level officials. Such interactions helped reduce tensions that had persisted for decades prior to this meeting.
After the fall of the Berlin Wall, conflicts erupted in Southeastern Europe. EWI worked to foster economic stability in the region through cross-border cooperation initiatives. Leaders trained for democratic states received support from the organization during this turbulent period. In the 2000s decade, operations expanded geographically to China, Southwest Asia, and the Middle East. Issues like cybersecurity, economic security, and countering violent extremism became central to their work. The institute shifted focus from European security to address emerging global threats across multiple continents simultaneously.
Since 2008, EWI has partnered with the China Association for International Friendly Contact to organize forums. These events are termed the U.S.-China Sanya Initiative involving retired People's Liberation Army officers and retired U.S. military personnel. The initiative is supported by the China-United States Exchange Foundation, a Hong Kong-based nonprofit established by billionaire Tung Chee-hwa. In May 2009, EWI released its Joint Threat Assessment on Iran produced by senior U.S. and Russian experts. This assessment concluded that planned systems would not protect against an Iranian nuclear threat. It helped inform the Obama administration's decision to scrap the ballistic missile defense plan proposed by the Bush administration.
In 2016, the institute helped set up an information portal allowing operators of critical infrastructure to share security information internationally. This platform enabled nations to exchange intelligence regarding industrial control system threats. Kelly Jackson Higgins reported on this launch in the 31st of March 2016 through Information Week Dark Reading. The portal facilitated collaboration among international stakeholders concerned about digital vulnerabilities. Such tools became essential as cyber threats evolved into a primary national security concern during the mid-2010s. Operators gained access to real-time data sharing capabilities previously unavailable to them.
The organization discontinued operations effective the 31st of January 2021 following a four-month strategic assessment process. Increasing challenges resulting from the global pandemic contributed significantly to financial difficulties facing many nonprofit organizations. Related financial pressures forced leadership to make difficult decisions about future viability. Mroz had led the institute for thirty-four years before his passing in 2014. His death marked the end of an era for the organization he founded decades earlier. The final closure came after years of adapting to changing geopolitical landscapes and economic constraints.
Continue Browsing
Common questions
Who established the EastWest Institute and when was it founded?
John Edwin Mroz and Ira D. Wallach established the Institute for East-West Security Studies in 1980.
What significant military discussions did the EastWest Institute host in 1984?
The institute hosted the first track two military-to-military discussions between NATO and Warsaw Pact countries in 1984 to establish confidence-building measures.
When did the EastWest Institute officially discontinue operations?
The organization discontinued operations effective the 31st of January 2021 following a four-month strategic assessment process.
How long did John Edwin Mroz serve as president of the EastWest Institute before his death?
Mroz served as president and CEO for thirty-four years until his death in 2014.
What major security initiative involving China did the EastWest Institute launch in May 2009?
In May 2009, EWI released its Joint Threat Assessment on Iran produced by senior U.S. and Russian experts which concluded that planned systems would not protect against an Iranian nuclear threat.