OSI and the Soros Foundations Network to Shift Focus in Coming Years

Over the next four years the Open Society Institute and the Soros foundations network will become more global in scope in an effort to influence how governments and international institutions conduct themselves. Our mission will be tailored to better address the problems of globalization.

This new strategy responds to changing circumstances in the regions and areas where the Open Society Institute and the Soros foundations network has been traditionally active. In many of these countries, the moment of revolutionary change has passed, and some countries are in the process of making the transition to open societies. OSI will sustain its programs in a number of postcommunist countries where the need for our work remains great and will maintain or increase its role in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. But we will cut back in countries slated for early accession to the European Union and phase out certain programs that have run their course.

In the United States, there will be a sharper focus on justice (both criminal and civil), human rights, and the rule of law along with more integration into the overall Soros network programs. Additionally, OSI will place greater emphasis on building support for a U.S. foreign policy that supports open society values.

In an open letter, Gara LaMarche, vice president and director of U.S. Programs, describes how OSI's work in the United States will change.

Click here to read the letter.