News

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Henry Kissinger’s secret trip to China. This unique diplomatic initiative began the process of normalizing America’s relations with the People’s Republic of China (PRC). On November 15, Solomon delivered this year’s Holdridge Memorial Lecture in an event at the Institute.

As the United States begins planning a withdrawal in Afghanistan, Pakistan’s support is pivotal for U.S. security interests. Thus far, the goals of the two countries have remained divergent and it will require skillful and persistent negotiations to ensure Pakistan’s support. How Pakistan Negotiates with the United States: Riding the Roller Coaster, a new volume published by the United States Institute of Peace, analyzes the themes, techniques, and styles that have characterized Pakistani negotiations with American civilian and military officials since Pakistan’s independence and offers concrete lessons and advice on how to effectively negotiate in the future.

William J. Perry and Stephen J. Hadley testified today before the House Armed Services Committee on the "Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) Independent Panel" which is facilitated by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). The QDR Independent Panel, which includes 12 appointees of Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and eight appointees of Congress, has been asked to submit a written assessment of the QDR by July 15, 2010.

President Barack Obama on April 6 unveiled a new nuclear strategy in its just-released Nuclear Posture Review, calling it a significant step forward in reducing the role of nuclear weapons in security strategy. This new policy announcement comes shortly before the U.S. and Russia will meet in Prague to sign a new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, and in advance of the Global Security Summit in Washington, D.C. on April 12 and 13.

At a time when an array of difficult diplomatic challenges require that U.S. diplomats be at the top of their game, a new book by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP Press) comprehensively assesses American negotiating behavior at and away from the bargaining table. "American Negotiating Behavior: Wheeler-Dealers, Legal Eagles, Bullies, and Preachers" by USIP president Richard H. Solomon and co-author Nigel Quinney analyzes the multiple influences -- cultural, institutional, historical, and political -- that shape how American policymakers and diplomats approach negotiations with foreign counterparts.

As the U.S. and Russia announce that an agreement has been reached on a new START treaty today, the wider issues of nuclear weapons and security come to the forefront of international discussion. USIP has a range of experts, activities and programs on negotiations, arms control and Russia.

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.

Institute Media Alert.

An Institute Newsbyte explores highlights from a recent address by Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Harold Hongju Ko.

Institute experts available for comment on U.S. and British airstrikes in Iraq.