The Henry Jackson Society is a British think tank which describes itself as having "a strong British and European commitment towards freedom, liberty, constitutional democracy, human rights". The society's goals include "democratic foreign policy, good governance and human rights worldwide." The think tank has been described by detractors as being neoconservative although the society has never used such terms to describe itself. The society is named after Henry M. Jackson, the late Democratic Senator and anticommunist defense hawk from Washington State. Besides favoring labor unions, full employment, and welfare in domestic policy, Jackson was in foreign policy known for his opposition to communism and support of a strong military.
Inspired by Jackson, the society sponsors research on democratization and advocates the support of democracy movements internationally by democracies. The society supports the intelligent and proportional use of military power in specific situations: to end ethnic cleansing, to remove dictators after non-military methods have failed, and to prevent the breakdown of the rule of law. Its perspective has been described as Atlanticist. It supports the European Union and advocates a European Security and Defence Policy called "military interoperability".
Originating within the University of Cambridge, the organisation is now based in London. It is a registered charity in the United Kingdom.
Read more about Henry Jackson Society: History and Political Aims, Supporters and Influence, Statement of Principles, Media Coverage
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