About The Obsidian Current Institute
The Obsidian Current Institute (TOCI) is the research and policy branch of The Obsidian Current, an independent, youth-led think tank dedicated to producing rigorous analysis and actionable policy recommendations on global governance, economic development, and social transformation.
Founded in September 2025, TOCI brings together young researchers, policy analysts, and mentors from around the world to bridge the gap between reflection and reform.
Through its four regional desks — Africa, the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Oceania — the Institute conducts comparative research, publishes policy reports, and offers insight papers that turn analysis into impact.
Each publication combines academic rigor with accessibility, transforming complex issues into clear, evidence-based recommendations for governments, institutions, and civil society.
At its core, The Obsidian Current Institute is built on three principles:
Independence, ensuring freedom of thought;
Analytical Depth, pursuing substance over noise;
and Impact, believing that understanding the world must always lead to improving it.
Our Structure
Executive Board
A small and dedicated team of researchers and editors oversees strategy, operations, and publication.
The Board ensures that OCI remains faithful to its founding values : independence, rigor, and youth leadership.
Board of Mentors
Composed of professors, policy analysts, and professionals, this advisory body ensures methodological quality and intellectual depth. Mentors guide young authors, review drafts, and connect the Institute to the global policy community.
Regional Desks
Our research is organized across four major geographical desks:
- Africa Desk: governance, democratic transitions, and development.
- Americas & Oceania Desk: public policy, civic movements, and economics
- Europe Desk: energy, migration, and institutional reform.
- Asia Desk: technology, security, and regional geoeconomics.
Each desk produces in-depth reports and policy briefs under the supervision of the Research Division.