In the Field

Religion is often seen as the cause of strife around the globe, but in reality, it can provide the foundation for what helps to end conflict. USIP’s work, from Indonesia to Pakistan, demonstrates that religion can play a positive role in managing conflict. USIP’s David Smock, senior vice president for the Centers of Innovation, explores the issue in this brief question-and-answer.

 Building on their six training workshops with Armed Forces of the Philippines officers earlier this year, USIP trainers Ted Feifer and Jacki Wilson just completed two workshops in conflict management and negotiation skills for multi-sector participants from the conflict areas of Mindanao and Sulu. The workshops were conducted with Gene Martin of USIP’s Philippines Facilitation Project.

USIP Training Program officers Ray Caldwell and Greg Noone conducted two workshops for practitioners in Manila. The 70 participants represented a diverse group of government agencies, particularly the Office on Muslim Affairs and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, together with leaders of non-governmental organizations from around the country, and especially Mindanao.