EDI works to educate the international audience about the post-Communist world from the Balkans to the Caucasus to Central Asia. 

Post-soviet countries in particular have made an uneven progress in their ongoing transition from the authoritarian traditions of the Soviet Union to independent democratic states with a market economy and a tolerant and diverse society. Although their economies countries have been growing at a respectable, albeit varied, rate in the last few years, deep economic and political reforms are needed to make the region economically competitive and achieve genuine and lasting stability for its people.

EDI advocates the strengthening of democratic institutions, free press and the rule of law in post-Communist states, with an emphasis on the development of an independent judiciary to safeguard the rights of the individual and uphold the international principle of free and fair trial. EDI is particularly concerned that the fair-trial standards of the OSCE are fully and fairly implemented. EDI works to combat torture, unlawful detention and other violations of domestic and international law that stand in the way of the region's progress toward a prosperous future founded on the rule of law.

EDI is a dynamic force for democratic reform, respect for human rights and a free society in this strategically important area.

The work of the EDI is supported by contributions from grant-making foundations and private individuals.