About Vanguard
International Institute
An independent nonprofit think tank dedicated to advancing global stability through next-generation policy research, rigorous analysis, and high-level cross-sector collaboration.
Our Mission
VII serves as a catalyst for innovation, providing the evidence-based frameworks necessary to navigate a rapidly evolving global landscape. Our mission is to foster informed decision-making and contribute to the public good by facilitating high-level collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and global stakeholders.
We believe that progress is driven by data but sustained by ethical leadership and inclusive growth. VII transforms theoretical research into actionable solutions — bridging the gap between academic insight and real-world policy implementation.
"Progress is driven by data but sustained by ethical leadership and inclusive growth."
— VII Mission Statement
Our Vision
A world in which evidence-based policy, ethical governance, and inclusive economic frameworks enable every nation to achieve sustainable stability and prosperity — regardless of geography, history, or resource endowment.
Our Approach
VII operates at the intersection of academia, industry, and government. We convene diverse expert communities, commission original research, and translate findings into policy-ready frameworks — ensuring that our work reaches the decision-makers who can act on it.
Our Independence
As a nonprofit institute, VII operates free from partisan influence or commercial interest. Our funding comes from a diversified base of philanthropic foundations, academic partnerships, and institutional grants — ensuring our conclusions follow the evidence.
Our Core Values
Intellectual Rigor
Every analysis VII produces is grounded in empirical evidence, peer-reviewed methodology, and transparent sourcing. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of academic and policy research.
Independence
As a nonprofit institute, VII operates free from partisan influence or commercial interest. Our conclusions follow the evidence — not the preferences of any government, corporation, or donor.
Global Perspective
With researchers and partners across nine countries, VII brings genuinely cross-regional insight to every question — recognizing that the most consequential challenges of our era are inherently transnational.
Actionable Impact
VII bridges the gap between theoretical research and real-world policy. We design frameworks that policymakers, institutions, and industry leaders can implement — not just read.
Inclusive Growth
We believe that sustainable progress must be equitable. Our research consistently centers the question of who benefits — and who is left behind — by the policies and technologies we analyze.
Next-Generation Leadership
VII is committed to cultivating the next generation of global thinkers. Through our fellowship programs and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, we invest in the scholars who will define tomorrow.
Our Leadership Team
Dr. Alicia Pemberton
President & Chief Executive Officer
Washington D.C., USA
Former senior advisor to the UN Economic Commission, Dr. Pemberton brings 25 years of international development experience spanning Sub-Saharan Africa, the Gulf, and the Caribbean.
Prof. Rajiv Anand
Director of Research
London, UK
A leading authority on AI governance and digital economy policy, Prof. Anand has advised governments across South Asia and the Middle East on technology regulation and innovation strategy.
Dr. Fatima Al-Rashid
Director, Economic Resilience Program
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Specializing in local content policy and extractive industry governance, Dr. Al-Rashid has led landmark research on the enclave gap across twelve resource-rich economies.
Dr. Marie Dubois
Director, Climate & Resource Security
Paris, France
A former negotiator at COP climate summits, Dr. Dubois leads VII's research on green energy sovereignty and the geopolitics of the renewables transition.
Prof. Kwame Asante
Director, Africa & Caribbean Programs
Accra, Ghana
Prof. Asante oversees VII's research agenda across West Africa and the Caribbean, with a focus on food security, regional integration, and post-colonial economic frameworks.
Dr. Leila Mansouri
Director, Geopolitical Analysis
Cairo, Egypt
A specialist in great-power competition and the weaponization of finance, Dr. Mansouri advises sovereign wealth funds and finance ministries on navigating a multipolar world order.
Institute History
VII founded in Washington D.C. as an independent nonprofit research institute.
Inaugural publication: "Local Content and the Enclave Gap" — cited by three national governments.
Expanded to the United Kingdom and France; launched the AI Governance research program.
Established Caribbean regional office in Trinidad & Tobago; first partnership with the University of the West Indies.
Launched the Climate Diplomacy & Resource Security pillar; presented at COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh.
Opened Middle East offices in Cairo and Riyadh; published landmark report on sovereign asset multipliers.
Reached 50+ published research outputs; launched the VII Fellowship Program for emerging policy scholars.
Expanded to India; convened the inaugural VII Global Stability Summit in Washington D.C.
Launched the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships initiative across six partner universities.
Our Global Presence
USA
Washington D.C.
Global Headquarters
Canada
Toronto
North America Research Hub
United Kingdom
London
European Research Center
France
Paris
Climate & Diplomacy Program
Guyana
Georgetown
Caribbean Energy Program
Trinidad & Tobago
Port of Spain
Caribbean Regional Office
Egypt
Cairo
North Africa & Middle East Hub
Saudi Arabia
Riyadh
Gulf Economic Research
India
New Delhi
South Asia Research Center
Collaborate With the Institute.
VII welcomes partnerships with policymakers, academic institutions, and industry leaders who share our commitment to evidence-based solutions. Whether as a research partner, institutional sponsor, or VII Fellow — there is a place for you in our global network.