Mission and objectives

Founded in February 2015, the Center for Public Policy and Democracy Studies (PODEM) is an independent think tank based in Istanbul.

PODEM seeks to contribute to the efforts towards a Turkey where democracy is fully institutionalized, and where a democratic mindset, social peace and justice prevail. It further envisions a Turkey that is increasingly influential in the establishment of peace and justice on regional and global levels.

PODEM’s projects analyze the changing dynamics of the society of Turkey and of other relevant societies/states through rigorous field research and provide policy proposals in the light of the findings, which are shared with public and relevant political and social actors.

With the aim of contributing to policy-making efforts, PODEM forges synergy between the government, public institutions, the business community, media and civil society actors.

PODEM carries out research on a wide range of issues from more domestic ones such as democratization processes to international affairs, looking at Turkey’s relations with the Middle East and the Mediterranean countries. The institution’s main work of areas include Social Perception Studies; Kurdish issue; Religion – State – Society; Security and Democracy; Turkey and Armenians; Turkey and Europe; Turkey and the Middle East; and Youth Studies.