• Home
  • About
  • History
  • Leadership
  • CIA Labs
  • Foreign Service
  • Newsletter
  • Blog
  • Think Tank
  • Contact Us
  • Conferences
  • More
    • Home
    • About
    • History
    • Leadership
    • CIA Labs
    • Foreign Service
    • Newsletter
    • Blog
    • Think Tank
    • Contact Us
    • Conferences
  • Home
  • About
  • History
  • Leadership
  • CIA Labs
  • Foreign Service
  • Newsletter
  • Blog
  • Think Tank
  • Contact Us
  • Conferences

FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICE

DIPLOMATIC CHARTER

Charter of the Public Intelligence Project (PIP)

A Military and Public Diplomacy Initiative and Medical Research Sub-Agency of the CIA Labs of the Central Intelligence Agency


⸻


Article I — Establishment


The Public Intelligence Project (PIP) is hereby constituted as a research-oriented analytic initiative operating within the framework known as the CIA Labs, of the Central Intelligence Agency, and the State Department - dedicated to advancing lawful, ethical, and transparent intelligence research, policy, and public diplomacy, in the public interest, and in the interests of international peace efforts. 

PIP is established to support international understanding, institutional resilience, and responsible analytic methodologies consistent with international law and diplomatic norms.


⸻


Article II — Legal Authority and Framework


1. Governing Law


The activities and conduct of PIP shall be governed by:

• The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961)

• Applicable principles of international law

• United States constitutional and statutory frameworks, where relevant

• Recognized diplomatic customs and practices


2. Scope of Authority


This Charter confers the authority only prescribed by, and governed under the United States Department of State, and each member state, in which it conducts diplomatic relations operations. Such authority is identified and approved only as such authority is prescribed per assigned operation - there is no “blanket authority” for all operations. For mission specific operations policies, and authority - you must contact the State Department Deputy Secretary of the Public Intelligence Project for further guidance. 


⸻


Article III — Mission and Purpose


The mission of the Public Intelligence Project Foreign Service Office is to:


1. Promote lawful intelligence research practices grounded in open-source analysis and academic rigor.

2. Support informed diplomacy through non-operational strategic analysis.

3. Encourage international cooperation, transparency, and ethical standards in all aspects of international affairs and intelligence-related research.

4. Safeguard respect for national sovereignty, and the peaceful expression of support for human rights in all foreign engagements.


⸻


Article IV — Compliance with the Vienna Convention


1. Respect for Sovereignty


PIP shall respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of all states.


2. Non-Interference


PIP personnel shall not interfere in the internal affairs of host nations, consistent with Article 41 of the Vienna Convention.


3. Diplomatic Conduct


Where engaged through diplomatic channels, PIP representatives shall observe proper diplomatic conduct, privileges, and immunities as applicable and lawfully granted.


⸻


Article V — Permitted Activities


PIP Diplomatic Relations activities are limited to the following:


1. Open-source intelligence research and analysis

2. Strategic risk and trend assessment

3. Academic and institutional   collaboration

4. Public-interest intelligence methodology development

5. Knowledge exchange conducted with host nation awareness and consent


PIP Diplomats and other Foreign Service Officials, shall not engage in covert intelligence collection, law enforcement, military action, or political advocacy at any time while conducting operations domestically or internationally. 


⸻


Article VI — Ethical Standards and Human Rights:


1. Human Rights Commitment

PIP affirms the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and integrates human rights considerations into all analytic frameworks.


2. Transparency and Integrity

PIP shall strive for transparency in mission intent, partnerships, and research outputs, subject to lawful limitations.


3. Non-Discrimination

All PIP engagements shall be free from discrimination based on nationality, ethnicity, religion, political opinion, or lawful civic participation.


⸻


Article VII — Representation and Conduct Abroad


1. Professional Neutrality


PIP personnel shall maintain political neutrality in all foreign engagements.


2. Use of Official Capacity


Any official standing shall be exercised solely for legitimate research and liaison purposes and never for personal gain.


3. Information Stewardship


Sensitive information shall be managed responsibly, respecting data protection standards and host nation sensitivities.


⸻


Article VIII — Partnerships and Cooperation


1. Collaborative Engagement


PIP may engage with academic institutions, multilateral organizations, international governmental institutions, and research entities where such cooperation supports its mission, and complies with applicable law.


2. Capacity Building


PIP may support analytic and institutional capacity-building initiatives that advance transparent governance and public trust.


⸻


Article IX — Oversight and Review


1. Internal Governance


All PIP activities shall be subject to internal governance, legal review, and ethical oversight.


2. Periodic Review


This Charter shall be reviewed periodically to ensure continued alignment with international norms, diplomatic standards, and diplomatic best practices.


⸻


Article X — Amendments


This Charter may be amended by an authorized governing authority within the framework of the CIA Labs, and/or The State Department.


⸻


Article XI — Entry into Effect


This Charter enters into effect

January 06, 2010


⸻

Copyright © 2026 The Public Intelligence Project - CIA - All Rights Reserved.

U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (Labs) - Official