Paul Hughes
Senior Adviser for International Security and Peacebuilding
Contact
Please submit all media inquiries to interviews@usip.org or call 202.429.3869.
For all other inquiries, please call 202.457.1700.
Paul Hughes is the senior adviser for international security and peacebuilding at USIP. Hughes has previously served as USIP’s chief of staff and director of Nonproliferation and Arms Control Program. He also served as the executive director of the Quadrennial Defense Review Independent Panel, executive director of the Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States, and as the director of Iraq programs in the Center for Post-Conflict Peace and Stability Operations.
Prior to joining USIP, he served as an active duty Army colonel and as the Army's senior military fellow to the Institute for National Security Studies of the National Defense University. From January to August 2003, Hughes served as a senior staff officer for the Office of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance and later with the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq. During that time he developed several policy initiatives, such as the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of the Iraqi military. As the director of national security policy on the Army staff from 2000-2002, he developed and provided policy guidance for the Army in numerous areas, such as arms control, weapons of mass destruction, missile defense, emerging nontraditional security issues, and crisis prediction. From 1996 to 2000, he served in the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) as deputy director of the Office for Humanitarian Assistance and Anti-Personnel Landmine Policy, where he led the OSD participation in crafting U.S. landmine policy and the DOD response to Hurricane Mitch, the Turkish earthquakes, and the Mozambique floods.
Hughes holds two master's degrees of military arts and sciences and a bachelor's degree in sociology from Colorado State University. His awards include two Defense Superior Service Medals, three Bronze Star Medals, four Meritorious Service Medals, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, four Army Commendation Medals, and several campaign and service ribbons.
Multimedia
- "U.S. Strategy in Iraq: Iraq Study Group/gradual drawdown of U.S. troops" (The Diane Rehm Show, December 20, 2006)
- "Military Analysts Debate Proposed Shifts in Iraq Strategy" (PBS, December 8, 2006)
- "No End in Sight" (Paul Hughes was interviewed in this documentary, which won an award at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival)
- No End in Sight (PBS's NOW with David Brancaccio, April 20, 2007)
Publications
- Defeating the Insurgency in Iraq
USIPeace Briefing (May 2005) - Peacebuilding Central to National Security
Alliance for Peacebuilding Interview, March 23, 2012
Available on usip.org
- A Third Way: Alternatives for Iraq's Future
Congressional Testimony, July 25, 2007 - Iraq: Beyond the Surge
Congressional Testimony, January 26, 2007
Multimedia
- "U.S. Strategy in Iraq: Iraq Study Group/gradual drawdown of U.S. troops" (The Diane Rehm Show, December 20, 2006)
- "Military Analysts Debate Proposed Shifts in Iraq Strategy" (PBS, December 8, 2006)
- "No End in Sight" (Paul Hughes was interviewed in this documentary, which won an award at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival)
- No End in Sight (PBS's NOW with David Brancaccio, April 20, 2007)
Publications & Tools
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March 2013
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News Feature
by Colonel Paul Hughes
Colonel Paul Hughes reflects on USIP's presence in Baghdad facilitating inter-ethnic and inter-religious dialogue, conducting conflict resolution activities, supporting rule of law programs, and training Iraqi leaders in democratic principles. Countries: Iraq
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Post-Conflict and Peacekeeping Activities
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March 2013
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News Brief
by USIP Staff
The U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) hosted a panel on March 18 to discuss the findings of “Overcoming Obstacles to Peace: Local Factors in Nation Building,” a new RAND Corporation book that lays out data-based evidence on how international interventions can build more peaceful nations. |
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February 2013
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News Feature
by USIP Staff
The U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) and the Reserve Officers Association held a joint program on Capitol Hill on February 12 to explore new education and training approaches to help U.S. troops better prepare for complex missions in fragile and conflict states. |
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February 2013
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News Brief
by USIP Staff
Paul Hughes, the U.S. Institute of Peace’s chief of staff, recently delivered a major lecture at the 2012 Special Operations Summit in Tampa, Fla., on best practices and new tools for post-conflict peacekeeping and stability operations. Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention
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February 2013
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News Feature
by USIP Staff
For the first time, the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) has sent a team of its conflict-management specialists to train an entire U.S. military unit preparing to deploy to a war zone—Afghanistan. |
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May 2012
On May 2, USIP hosted NATO Defense College (NDC) Senior Course 120, which consisted of 74 senior military officers from 31 countries worldwide, as part of the group's Transatlantic Field Study trip to Washington, DC. NDC Dean Dr. Richard Hooker and Brigadier General Patrick Desjardins of France, dean of Academic Operations, led the delegation; Daria Daniels Skodnik coordinated the trip for NDC. Issue Areas: WMD, Nonproliferation, and Arms Control
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April 2012
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News Feature
by Steven Ruder
USIP briefed Air Force Lieutenant General Richard Y. Newton III. The briefing outlined USIP’s efforts to promote dialogue between India and Pakistan and ease tensions in the volatile Kashmir region; to harness the power of technology for crisis mapping, humanitarian response, and interagency coordination; and USIP’s training programs. Countries: India, Kashmir, Pakistan
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Science, Technology, and Peacebuilding
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March 2012
USIP leaders explain the effect that events around the world and here at home will have on the U.S., and the contributions the Institute can and does make during a time of tremendous challenge – and opportunity. Countries: Afghanistan, Bahrain, Colombia, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Israel and the Palestinian Territories, Korean Peninsula, Liberia, Libya, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, The Two Sudans, United States, Yemen
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Education, Political Reform, Post-Conflict and Peacekeeping Activities, Security Sector Reform/Governance, Training
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March 2012
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News Feature
by Tara Sonenshine
The Commonwealth of Virginia continues to expand as a center of innovation for peacebuilding activities to strengthen the capabilities of the U.S. military and civilian corps to work together around the world. Across Virginia, from the Pentagon to the peacebuilding academies, from workshops at universities to grants to practitioners, USIP is working closely to build partnerships. Countries: United States
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Education, Mediation and Facilitation, Post-Conflict and Peacekeeping Activities, Training
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March 2012
USIP hosted a briefing for an American commander deploying to the Horn of Africa. |
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March 2012
The United States Institute of Peace proudly recognizes the ongoing work of the State of Texas in growing connections ranging from young people and technology to women in peacebuilding. |
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March 2012
On March 12, the U.S. Institute of Peace’s (USIP) Center for Conflict Management and the Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs co-convened a closed briefing on the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit for senior diplomats of countries whose head of state will be participating in the summit. Ambassadors, Deputy Chiefs of Mission, and Heads of Political Section from over 30 embassies participated in the briefing. Countries: Korean Peninsula, South Korea
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February 2012
The role of the Navy and Marine Corps is critical to the growing importance of the Asia Pacific region in national security strategy. Recently, conflict management and peacebuilding experts from the U.S. Institute of Peace participated in the Navy’s biggest amphibious exercise in a decade, Bold Alligator, as part of USIP’s expansion of civilian-military cooperation and training. Countries: Afghanistan, Korean Peninsula, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, United States
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Mediation and Facilitation, Post-Conflict and Peacekeeping Activities, Training
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December 2011
Experts from the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) are closely following developments throughout the Middle East and North Africa. In a series of reports and interviews, they cover a wide range of issues. Countries: Africa, Asia, Bahrain, Egypt, Libya, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Economics and Conflict, Human Rights, Political Reform, Rule of Law, Security Sector Reform/Governance
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December 2011
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On the Issues
by Paul Hughes
We asked USIP leaders, from board members to senior staff and experts to explain the effect that events around the world and here at home will have on the U.S. and the contributions the Institute can and does make during a time of tremendous challenge – and opportunity. USIP Chief of Staff Retired Col. Paul Hughes served nearly 30 years on active duty with the Army. |
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October 2011
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News Feature
by Gordon Lubold
Adm. James Stavridis, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, spoke with USIP staff about some of USIP’s programs making a difference in conflict zones |
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October 2011
The Institute’s Academy for International Conflict Management and Peacebuilding held the course in nuclear nonproliferation Sept. 26-30. And, for the first time ever, an undersecretary of state, Ellen Tauscher, spoke to an Academy class. Tauscher is the undersecretary of state for Arms Control and International Security Affairs. Countries: Iran, Korean Peninsula, North Korea, South Korea, United States
| Issue Areas: WMD, Nonproliferation, and Arms Control
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September 2011
Ending or preventing conflict almost always means talking to the people who understand it best: the women. It was one of many pieces of sage advice USIP Chief of Staff Paul Hughes gave to a group of Air Force officers visiting USIP in September as part of a tour of Washington. The officers are studying the role of the Air Force officer and his or her role in political-military strategy. Countries: Afghanistan, China, Iraq
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Mediation and Facilitation, Negotiation and Diplomacy, Post-Conflict and Peacekeeping Activities
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August 2011
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News Feature
by Gordon Lubold
Of all the issues facing Libya’s new, nominal leadership, one that may be the most pressing, yet less conspicuous, is the growing dissension among Libyan youth. Even as changes from the revolution sweep Libya, many youth have begun to feel the new leadership feels a bit like the old. |
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July 2011
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On the Issues
by Paul Hughes
USIP’s Paul Hughes examines the significance of the U.S.’s move to recognize Libyan rebel leaders as the legitimate authority, the potential risks involved and when is the right time to plan for post-conflict operations. |
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May 2011
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News Feature
by Gordon Lubold
USIP’s Special Adviser, Muslim World Initiative Steve Heydemann; Senior Program Officer Col. Paul Hughes; Military Fellow Col. John Maraia; and South Asia Adviser Moeed Yusuf react to Osama bin Laden's death. |
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April 2011
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On the Issues
by Paul Hughes
USIP’s Paul Hughes weighs the benefits and pitfalls of greater military action in Libya. Countries: Africa, Libya
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Political Reform, Security Sector Reform/Governance
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March 2011
USIP experts respond to President Obama's speech on U.S. military intervention in Libya. |
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March 2011
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On the Issues
by Paul Hughes
USIP’s Paul Hughes, senior program officer with the Center for Conflict Analysis and Prevention, discusses the No Fly Zone and NATO mission in Libya. Countries: Africa, Libya
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, WMD, Nonproliferation, and Arms Control
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January 2011
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News Feature
by Gordon Lubold
The thrust of tonight's State of the Union speech will be on the economy, jobs and civility in political discourse, with members of both parties sitting side-by-side in a display of bipartisanship. Read more of USIP's preview of Obama's State of the Union address. |
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December 2010
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News Feature
by Brian Rose
With the U.S. Senate’s ratification of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), the United States and Russia now await the Russian parliament’s likely ratification to make important reductions in their strategic nuclear arsenals. Throughout debate, senators on both sides of the aisle cited the findings and recommendations of the 2009 Strategic Posture Commission, chaired by former secretaries of defense William Perry and James Schlesinger. Countries: Russian Federation
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Negotiation and Diplomacy, WMD, Nonproliferation, and Arms Control
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September 2010
The bimonthly Prevention Newsletter provides highlights of CAP's conceptual work, its region specific work aimed at helping to prevent conflicts in Africa, the Middle East, South and Northeast Asia, and the special projects on genocide prevention and nonproliferation. It also provides Over the Horizon thinking on trends in different regions, as well as CAP events, working groups and publications. Countries: Africa, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Iran, Kenya, Korean Peninsula, Pakistan, Turkey
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Political Reform, WMD, Nonproliferation, and Arms Control
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July 2010
The bimonthly Prevention Newsletter provides highlights of CAP's conceptual work, its region specific work aimed at helping to prevent conflicts in Africa, the Middle East, South and Northeast Asia, and the special projects on genocide prevention and non-proliferation. It also provides Over the Horizon thinking on trends in different regions, as well as CAP events, working groups and publications. Countries: Côte d'Ivoire, Iran, Israel and the Palestinian Territories, Kenya, Korean Peninsula, Pakistan
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention
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January 2007
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Congressional Testimony
by Paul Hughes
Paul Hughes addressed the Capitol Hill-based study group "Security for a New Century" on the current security situation in Iraq and options to foster stability in the country and across the region. Countries: Iraq
| Issue Areas: Post-Conflict and Peacekeeping Activities, Rule of Law, Security Sector Reform/Governance
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July 2005
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Congressional Testimony
by Paul Hughes
Paul Hughes testified on "A Third Way: Alternatives for Iraq’s Future" before the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. Countries: Iraq
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Post-Conflict and Peacekeeping Activities, Rule of Law, Security Sector Reform/Governance
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May 2005
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Peace Brief
by Paul Hughes
USIPeace Briefing analyzing the motivation behind the insurgency, how to deal with the insurgency, and the lessons learned. Countries: Iraq
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Events
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March 18, 2013
A new book by RAND, “Overcoming Obstacles to Peace,” finds evidence that international interventions can in fact build more peaceful nations. Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention
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February 12, 2013
Please join the Reserve Officers Association and the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) for a program that will explore new education and training approaches being used to help U.S. troops better prepare for these complex operating environments before their deployment. |
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November 8, 2010
The United States stationed thousands of nuclear weapons in Europe during the Cold War in order to support the common defense of NATO members in Europe. While the environment in which the NATO nuclear mission finds its purpose has changed since the Cold War and the number of U.S. nuclear weapons stationed in Europe has been scaled back significantly, concerns about Russian tactical nuclear forces, the Iranian nuclear program, and the political importance of nuclear weapons to NATO solidarity raise important questions about how NATO should proceed as it outlines its nuclear mission in the 2010 Strategic Concept. Countries: Europe, Russian Federation
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Negotiation and Diplomacy, WMD, Nonproliferation, and Arms Control
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July 26, 2010
USIP held an informative discussion with Rose Gottemoeller, assistant secretary of state for verification, compliance, and implementation, on the verification provisions of the New START agreement. Her remarks were followed by an expert panel discussion on the implications of verification for the START ratification process and a lively Q & A session with the audience. Countries: Russian Federation, United States
| Issue Areas: Negotiation and Diplomacy, WMD, Nonproliferation, and Arms Control
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February 2, 2010
This public symposium explored how the U.S., South Korea, and Japan can cooperate on common challenges and opportunities in the international community. Countries: Japan, North Korea, South Korea, United States
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Economics and Conflict, WMD, Nonproliferation, and Arms Control
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October 26, 2009
On October 26, 2009, USIP held a panel discussion with Amb. Linton Brooks, Joseph Cirincione, and Thomas Scheber on next steps for the START process and the START Follow-on Treaty. Countries: China, Czech Republic, France, India, Iran, Israel and the Palestinian Territories, Japan, North Korea, Pakistan, Poland, Russian Federation, South Korea, United Kingdom
| Issue Areas: Negotiation and Diplomacy, Science, Technology, and Peacebuilding, Security Sector Reform/Governance, WMD, Nonproliferation, and Arms Control
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July 27, 2009
On July 27, 2009, a panel of experts reviewed the destructive potential of a nuclear weapon, and discussed the role of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) as keystone agreements to halt the spread of nuclear weapons technology. Countries: China, India, Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, Russian Federation, Syria
| Issue Areas: Science, Technology, and Peacebuilding, Security Sector Reform/Governance, WMD, Nonproliferation, and Arms Control
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May 27, 2009
Three senior experts who advised the Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States and supported its deliberations will discuss their views on the report's findings and recommendations. Countries: China, Czech Republic, India, Iran, Israel and the Palestinian Territories, Japan, North Korea, Pakistan, Poland, Russian Federation, South Korea, Syria, Taiwan
| Issue Areas: Conflict Analysis and Prevention, Science, Technology, and Peacebuilding, Security Sector Reform/Governance, WMD, Nonproliferation, and Arms Control
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May 12, 2009
Countries: Iraq
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November 19, 2007
Countries: Iraq
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October 22, 2007
Countries: Iraq
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July 28, 2006
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