De Tenebris is a youth-led international think tank with contributors from 82+ countries. We produce original analysis, publish policy research, and collaborate with institutions like UNESCO and the European Commission to advance clarity in global governance.
Mission and Purpose
De Tenebris is an independent, internationally distributed think tank advancing clarity, rigor, and strategic insight in global governance. Its mission is to produce interdisciplinary policy research, public analysis, and forward-facing commentary on issues shaping transnational systems. Through publication, collaboration, and direct engagement with institutional actors, De Tenebris works to surface underexamined narratives, identify systemic blind spots, and support governance that is both principled and adaptive.
Origins and Development
De Tenebris originated from a policy simulation initiative in 2021 and formally evolved into a research-driven platform by 2025. Initially engaging over 2,000 participants from 82+ countries, it pivoted from diplomatic training toward substantive analysis and institution-facing work. Since its relaunch, it has expanded operations into editorial publishing, strategic partnerships, and policy-aligned program development. The organization’s trajectory reflects a move from pedagogy to praxis through developing tools not just for learning about diplomacy, but contributing to it.
Organizational Structure, Membership, and Funding
De Tenebris is a transatlantic nonprofit think tank, mainly operating in the United States and Europe with operational activity across Asia and Latin America. Its leadership is composed of executive directors and editorial advisors, supported by rotating research fellows and cohort-based contributors. De Tenebris is independently operated and maintains fiscal autonomy. It is partially sustained through patron support, micro-grants, and partnership-based funding. The organization maintains active editorial, research, advocacy, and event coordination teams.
Specializations, Methods and Tools
De Tenebris specializes in intersectional policy research, scenario-based analysis, and strategic communication. Its core methods include:
- Original longform research and dispatch commentary
- Thematic fellowships (shortform + longform)
- Multilingual publication pipelines
- Networked editorial processes
- Programmatic collaborations with multilateral institutions
- Consulting and advising governing bodies
The think tank prioritizes clarity over technical opacity, and often focuses on governance dynamics, diplomacy, defense strategy, international law, and transatlantic policy.
Major Projects and Events
Dispatches: A rolling publication series analyzing rapid-turn policy developments, election results, multilateral shifts, and regional flashpoints
Lux Blog & Journal: Dual editorial platforms for longform commentary and peer-reviewed work
Global Policy Panels: Closed and public roundtables featuring representatives from CEIP, Yale, the European Commission, and diplomatic corps
Regional Event Series: In-person convenings (Chicago, NYC) focused on issue-based discussion, coalition-building, and public discourse strategy
Research Fellowship Program: Seasonal cohorts producing publication-ready work under editorial supervision
Analysis and Lessons Learned
De Tenebris’ development shows how editorial-first structures can compete with more traditional research institutions when paired with strategic partnerships and institutional credibility. The platform has succeeded by avoiding siloed issue-focuses and instead cultivating thematic agility and operational leanness. A key challenge has been pacing longform research cycles while maintaining real-time relevance, solved in part by separating shortform (Dispatches) and longform (Fellowship) workflows.
References
Institutional affiliations with: UNHCR, UNESCO, European Commission, Financial Times. Academic affiliations with: Harvard Kennedy School, Yale University (Jackson School of Global Affairs), University of Bath, University of Notre Dame (Keough School of Global Affairs), and George Washington University.
External Links
Official site: https://detenebris.tilda.ws
Blog: https://luxbydetenebris.wordpress.com
Instagram: @thedetenebris
LinkedIn: De Tenebris
