The Expert Center for Strategic Studies  you once knew as STEM Lab has traveled a remarkable path filled with significant achievements and made a lasting impact on geopolitical research. Over the years, it grew into one of Azerbaijan’s most prominent and respected think tanks — and one that earned genuine recognition far beyond its borders. It became a trusted source of in-depth, unbiased analysis of developments across the post-Soviet space, the South Caucasus, and the broader international landscape.

STEM consistently built bridges of cooperation, signing memoranda with leading research institutions, hosting high-level delegations and serving as a platform for candid, expert-level dialogue between countries that share deep historical ties yet are often separated by bureaucracy and geography. It organized international conferences, roundtables, and expert meetings where diverse perspectives clashed, fresh ideas emerged, and professional networks grew stronger.

A special source of pride has been our own educational initiatives, which helped launch the careers of aspiring analysts. STEM actively shaped the next generation of specialists by offering courses on current geopolitical issues, running seminars for young researchers, and providing internships where participants gained not just theory but real, hands-on experience in a highly professional environment. Many who came through these programs are now publishing their own analysis, appearing as experts, and carrying forward the center’s mission.

STEM’s analytical output, ranging from reviews of energy policy and economic linkages to forecasts on security dynamics and post-conflict arrangements, regularly served as a reference point for policymakers, diplomats, journalists, and the academic community.

But the world does not stand still. Today, amid accelerating global shifts, when new challenges arrive almost monthly and the South Caucasus–Caspian region has become one of the central nodes of the international agenda — a qualitatively different level of strategic reflection is required. We need deeper insight. We need to bring together the best minds not only domestically but across international expert communities.

That is why the center is taking a major step forward and reintroducing itself as CASPIA - Center for Analysis of Strategic Policy and International Affairs.
This is a transition to a new scale: more intensive engagement with global expert networks, broader research horizons, even stronger platforms for dialogue, and the development of policy recommendations capable of influencing real decision-making.
CASPIA preserves everything valuable that STEM accumulated over the years while simultaneously opening the door to far more ambitious projects, partnerships, and intellectual breakthroughs.
The times demand strategic thinking and the pooling of efforts from everyone ready to look beyond the immediate news cycle.
We are confident that even greater accomplishments lie ahead. Stay with us!