The CEPI mission is to:

Provide a space for discussion and specialized research on inter-American issues in order to stimulate greater understanding and interest in this area, with a particular emphasis on the Caribbean Basin - Colombia, Venezuela, the Caribbean countries and Central America - and North America.

CEPI would consider the analysis of any topic that affects the region as a whole, or more than one country on the continent as falling within its research mandate. Project proposals should be comparative in nature, or demonstrate an international perspective. For example, while a specific analysis of primary education in Colombia would not fall under CEPI guidelines; a study comparing primary education in Colombia with that of other countries in the region, or focusing on how migration to the United States has resulted in new standards of education in Colombia would enter into the category of studies that CEPI will seek to promote.


In order to comply with this mission, the Center has set out the following five strategic objectives:

To promote research into "intermestic" issues. Within the field of inter-American studies, CEPI is seeking to promote the study of "intermestic" themes and issues, issues traditionally considered to be within the domestic sphere that now hold significant international components and repercussions.

To promote research with an "applied" focus. CEPI seeks to promote research with a practical focus with the intention of producing concrete policy recommendations regarding the specific problems confronting these countries.

To promote "interdisciplinary" research. CEPI seeks to promote interdisciplinary social science research in the field of inter-American studies in order to attain a more complete understanding of the problems and challenges that face this geographic zone.

To promote research with an "global" perspective. CEPI seeks to promote analysis in the field of inter-American affairs from a global perspective, which will allow greater understanding of the ways in which inter-American dynamics feature in the larger global picture, and to compare these dynamics with those displayed in other geographic zones.