As a national, nonpartisan, independent Institute, the U.S. Institute of Peace draws on our exceptional convening power to create opportunities for diverse audiences to exchange knowledge, experiences, and ideas necessary for creative solutions to difficult challenges. We serve as an important, neutral platform for bringing together government and nongovernment, diplomacy, security, and development actors, and participants across political views. The Institute’s events help shape public policy and priorities to advance peaceful solutions to conflict and strengthen international security.
On February 21, USIP hosted a discussion featuring perspectives from regional experts and former government officials on practical options to respond to a rapidly shifting political landscape in the western Sahel. The conversation followed the publication of the final report of the USIP Bipartisan Sahel Senior Study Group and explored opportunities for mitigating conflict and advancing durable peace in the region.
In honor of Veterans Day, USIP held a discussion with two former senior U.S. military officers who continue to pursue peace after retiring from the armed forces. The conversation highlighted how military experience has shaped the way these veterans view their post-military initiatives and the security challenges facing the country today.
On July 19, USIP hosted a conversation on Russia’s growing footprint in Africa. The discussion examined Russia’s relations with African states — particularly regarding peace and security across the continent — as well as what to expect from the upcoming Russia-Africa Summit.
On the one-year anniversary of the military’s coup, USIP hosted the release of the Myanmar Study Group’s final report. The discussion looked at the study group’s findings and recommendations on topics such as the Burmese army, Myanmar’s economy, ethnic armed organizations, end state scenarios, humanitarian assistance, international actors and U.S. government policy alternatives — among many others.
On December 14, USIP hosted security sector experts and practitioners for an in-depth look at EGAP’s Metaketa results — as well as a discussion on how we can use these important findings to help shape the future of community policing.
On November 18, USIP hosted Declan Walsh for a discussion of his new book, “The Nine Lives of Pakistan: Dispatches from a Divided Nation,” which analyzes the complexities of the country’s power dynamics, ethnic and religious conflicts, and identity crisis through the lens of nine individuals from diverse backgrounds.
On April 23, USIP hosted a virtual expert panel to discuss the economic, political, and governance impacts of the COVID-19 crisis in Pakistan as well as potential long-term solutions.
The effort to end the war in Afghanistan with a political settlement has moved to the forefront of the policy conversation, with all elements of the U.S. government, including the military, increasingly playing a role. In support of this effort, USIP is partnering with CENTCOM—the U.S. military command responsible for Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the Middle East—for a panel on the status of the Afghan peace process and the U.S. military’s potential role.
The 2018 National Defense Strategy asserts that the United States is emerging from a post-Cold War period of “strategic atrophy.” On October 30, 2018, the U.S. Institute of Peace hosted a discussion with Secretary Mattis on how the National Defense Strategy seeks to meet the shared challenges of our time through strengthening and evolving America’s strategic alliances and partnerships.
On Thursday, July 26, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) joined the U.S. Institute of Peace to give remarks on U.S. policy options in Iraq in the post-ISIS era. She discussed the protection of religious minority groups and offered her perspective on Iranian influence in the country and region.