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Use of Force

Latest from USIP on Use of Force

  • October 15, 2009   |   Event
    The Afghanistan Debate: Perspectives from Afghanistan and Pakistan

    October 7, 2009 marked eight years since the launch of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. For the first time since 2001, a serious debate is underway about our interests and objectives in Afghanistan and Pakistan. How are Afghans and Pakistanis reacting to this debate and what perspectives can they offer? Join us for a lively discussion on this issue with voices from Afghanistan and Pakistan.

  • September 17, 2009   |   Resource
    Crisis in the Niger Delta

    USIP's David Smock explores the factors underlying and perpetuating the militancy in the oil-rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria. In this report, based on an 11-day trip to Nigeria in late August 2009, Smock analyzes the prospects for the amnesty process, and why stronger political processes and economic development could help address the roots of the conflict there.

  • September 14, 2009   |   Course
    Introduction to Post-Conflict Strategies and Operations

    A 'hands on' course that provides students with a framework for organizing and implementing post-conflict peace and stability operations based upon the end-states that should be achieved. Will focus on the critical issues that confront post-conflict interventions in achieving each end state and the overarching leadership responsibilities involved in these objectives.

  • August 6, 2009   |   Event
    Theory meets Practice: Counterinsurgency in Afghanistan

    Dr. David Kilcullen and Dr. Andrew Wilder explore the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan and the relationship between successful counter-insurgency operations and state-building efforts.

  • July 23, 2009   |   News Releases
    Iraqi Prime Minister Will Keep Door Open for U.S. Military Role After 2011

    Speaking at an exclusive event at the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) on July 23, 2009, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki kept the door open for continuing the U.S. military presence in his country beyond 2011, when the current Status of Forces Agreement expires. “If Iraqi forces need more training and support, we will reexamine the agreement at that time, based on our own national needs,” the prime minister said through a translator, as he addressed nearly 100 audience members at USIP headquarters in Washington, D.C.

  • July 1, 2009   |   Resource
    Colombia

    Bringing together the experiences and insights of more than thirty experienced and emerging authors, human rights activists, and peace practitioners from Colombia and abroad, Colombia: Building Peace in a Time of War documents and analyzes the vast array of peace initiatives that have emerged in Colombia in recent years.

  • June 22, 2009   |   Event
    The Broader Middle East: New Beginnings – or More of the Same?

    From his first day in office, President Barack Obama has made Arab-Israeli peacemaking a top foreign policy priority. In recent weeks, he has consulted with a wide range of leaders from the region, including Israel’s new prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu

  • April 29, 2009   |   Event
    Two Years After the Surge: Implications for Women in Iraq
  • April 1, 2009   |   Resource
    The Role of the Ministerial Advisor in Security Sector Reform: Navigating Institutional Terrains

    International actors in Security Sector Reform (SSR) are increasingly taking on roles as “advisors” to Ministries of Interior, Defense, and Justice. Rather than directly implement changes necessary for SSR, these advisors must persuasively articulate suggestions to their local counterparts. Advisors’ success depends on their ability to convey recommendations in a manner that makes change acceptable to their advisees.

  • March 13, 2009   |   Event
    The Role of the Ministerial Advisor in Security Sector Reform
  • January 23, 2009   |   Event
    SSR Working Group: The Private Sector Firms in Security Sector Reform
  • January 1, 2009   |   Resource
    The Private Sector in Security Sector Reform: Essential But Not Yet Optimized

    While the U.S. and world economies are slowing markedly, Security Sector Reform (SSR) is a growth industry for the private sector. U.S. government employees may set SSR policy and design projects, but implementation is extensively outsourced to private contractors.

  • November 19, 2008   |   Event
    Security Sector Reform Missions: Planning and Evaluation
  • October 15, 2008   |   Event
    Why Gender Issues are Important in Security Sector Reform
  • September 1, 2008   |   Resource
    Securing the Future: A Primer on Security Sector Reform in Conflict Countries

    Security sector reform (SSR) is essential in the transition from war to peace in conflict zones and is a topic of urgent importance. This report discusses definitions of SSR, the field's emergence, and challenges in current SSR implementation, among other topics.

A country that is at risk for, in the midst of or recovering from conflict has needs that no one expert or organization can provide. Often, humanitarian organizations work to address basic human needs for food, shelter and medicine; military or international organizations may have armed forces providing security; and governance experts may be helping local officials establish or improve legal frameworks and government agencies.

No two countries or situations are the same, but experts have identified many issues that emerge in nearly every conflict or post-conflict setting. The list of issue areas aims to aid researchers and practitioners by grouping USIP events, publications and resources by topic.