The Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination supports teaching, research, publication and negotiation about issues related to and emerging from self-determination, especially pertaining to the state, self-governance, sovereignty, security, and boundaries with particular consideration of sociocultural, ethnic, and religious issues; and related legal, diplomatic, economic, strategic, and environmental matters involving state as well as non-state actors. The program is funded through the generosity of H.S.H. Prince Hans Adam II of Liechtenstein, and is directed by Wolfgang Danspeckgruber, lecturer in public and international affairs at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University.
 
The Institute’s focus is global, nonpartisan, and innovative. LISD seeks to enhance peace and stability by contributing to the understanding of the root causes of a people’s desire for increased autonomy or independence, while reducing the tumultuous and potentially violent processes that can occur in times of transition. The Institute does this by bringing together key events, practitioners, representatives, and decision-makers to explore conflicts from cultural-religious, economic, and geostrategic perspectives, in order to find new solutions to current and traditional problems, and to educate the next generation of leaders.

Special meetings have been held as part of the Institute’s major projects on the Balkans, India-Pakistan, the Caucasus, Russia, and Afghanistan, Iran, and Central Asia. Some conferences are private and off-the-record, in order to allow scholars, diplomats, and various representatives of the public and private sectors to engage in meaningful and open discussions. This work has resulted in several publications including edited volumes and United Nations documents. Public lectures have brought a diverse group of experts and diplomats from around the world to Princeton University, to share their work with students and members of the University and local communities.

Princeton University graduate and undergraduate students are involved with all aspects of LISD projects, from planning meetings to participating in diplomatic discussions. In addition to courses taught at Princeton University by LISD faculty associates, this is a central part of the Institute’s commitment to training the next generation of leaders.