Our identity
About thinc.
thinc. (The Hague Initiative for International Cooperation) is an independent international law think tank, drawing on a global network of academics, practitioners and experts in related disciplines.
Founded in 2017 in The Hague – the global capital of international law – thinc.’s mission is to promote peace and security in the Middle East and beyond through the fair and consistent application of international law.
We challenge the political misuse and subversion of international law and legal frameworks, advocating instead for principled legal standards that respect the sovereign equality of states and foster regional stability and cooperation.
How do we work?
- Education:
We equip learners from all over the world through a variety of educational programmes that teach practical skills, theoretical frameworks and information relevant to current political and legal debates about the Middle East. thinc.Academy is our platform for education and training activities. - Research:
Our Fellows, experts and researchers produce and publish articles, blogs, reports and briefing papers that provide context, alternative views and fresh arguments concerning Israel’s legal challenges. Our research explores international law, history, religion and politics in relation to the Middle East and shines a light on, and combats, lawfare by governments and non-governmental organisations.
- Legal Diplomacy:
Second track Legal Diplomacy provides analyses, briefings and submissions that speak directly to international organisations, national governments and NGOs. We engage networks of politicians, academics, lawyers and concerned individuals around the globe, while building communities of shared expertise and mutual support.
Research, Education and Legal Diplomacy are carried out by specialised teams. These teams are supported by our Media and Communications team, who manage social media and communications activities.
Organization and Governance
thinc. is a foundation under Dutch law (ANBI), governed by a Supervisory Board.
thinc. is managed by a Management Team (MT), which is chaired by the Director General. The Management Team is assisted by administrative staff, (Senior) Fellows and an Advisory Board.
The MT reports to the thinc. Supervisory Board, which oversees the performance of the organisation including its adherence to the applicable laws and regulations (ANBI), and is responsible for approving Strategic Plans and Annual Reports.
Download our latest Annual Report here.
The Hague - a unique location
The seat of thinc. is The Hague; we are uniquely located amidst the foremost International Law courts and tribunals, including the UN’s highest court, the International Court of Justice based in the Peace Palace, and the International Criminal Court.
What people say about us
“In the polarized sea of international criticism towards Israel, thinc. is an independent and non-Israeli beacon of expertise that equips us politicians with a balanced interpretation of international law regarding the Israel/Palestine conflict. With its fresh and fair approach thinc. differentiates itself from the majority view, hence it is a very valuable source of expertise in my daily work.”
Bert-Jan Ruissen, Member of the EU Parliament (ECRG) and Vice-Chair of the EP delegation for relations with Israel
I thoroughly recommend thinc. to anyone who wishes to be more informed on the subject of Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Their expertise in international relations and international law, combined with their nuanced analysis, is what is needed now more than ever. thinc.’s team of experienced legal practitioners and academics provide an astute and even voice in what can be an overtly partisan debate.
Senator Eric Abetz, Liberal Senate for Tasmania, Australia
