Resources & Tools

Cover of Lebanon's Unstable Equilibrium (Image: U.S. Institute of Peace)
November 2009 | Peace Briefing by Mona Yacoubian

In the wake of Lebanon forming a new government, USIP assesses how the country can ensure ongoing political progress and stability.

Cover of Special Report 234. (Image: U.S. Institute of Peace)
November 2009 | Special Report by Raymond Gilpin and Richard Downie

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has enormous economic potential thanks to its rich mineral deposits and vast tracts of arable land. Historically, these resources have been exploited by predatory leaders and a host of subregional actors. The time is now ripe for the DRC to put years of war and economic underdevelopment behind it.

Tourism in the Developing World - sr233 (Image: USIP)
October 2009 | Special Report by Martha Honey and Raymond Gilpin

A new USIP report examines how the $1 trillion tourist industry can help strengthen stability in developing countries.

Haitians rummage through trash dumps. (Photo: NY Times)
October 2009 | Special Report by Robert Maguire

USIP examines why efforts to stimulate Haiti's economy have so far proven unsuccessful, and recommends options to achieve sustainability and growth in the impoverished country.

Countries: Haiti | Issue Areas: Economics and Development
Map of Niger Delta (Courtesy: CIA)
September 2009 | Peace Briefing by David R. Smock

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.

New York Stock Exchange (Photo: NY Times)
September 2009 | Working Paper by Jeremiah S. Pam

Amid the global financial crisis, USIP explores the Treasury Department's current functions and resources as a foundation to more effectively strengthen financial institutions and combat illicit finance in non G-20 countries. USIP's Jeremy Pam describes how the Treasury Department might be better organized to play a greater strategic role in international affairs that addresses financial crises in developing countries and, in doing so, serves U.S. national security interests.

Countries: United States | Issue Areas: Economics and Development
Soldiers board barge to confiscate food and goods in the DRC. (Photo: NY Times)
August 2009 | Peace Briefing by Raymond Gilpin, Catherine Morris and Go Funai

The deadly conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed the lives of millions and appears to have no end.  A new USIP report provides context to this protracted war, assesses current approaches and presents new options on how to resolve it.

Damaged bridge caused by bombing in the former Yugoslavia. (Photo: NY Times)
August 2009 | Peace Briefing by Jim O’Brien

As concerns grow about Bosnia’s post-war recovery, USIP presents its fourth report on recent developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina and various options to prevent a return to violence there. Author Jim O'Brien, who served as the presidential envoy for the Balkans in the 1990s, proposes a two-part strategy that includes stripping Bosnia's political parties of their nationalist appeal and speeding up the European Union accession process for the Balkans region.

Blood Oil in the Niger Delta - SR229 (Image: USIP)
August 2009 | Special Report by Judith Burdin Asuni

The trade of stolen oil, or “blood oil,” in Nigeria is fueling a long-running insurgency in the Niger Delta region that has claimed many lives. A USIP special report by Judith Burdin Asuni shows how the big business of blood oil poses a threat not only to the Nigerian state and the region, but to the international community as well.

August 2009 | Special Report by Alan Schwartz

More political violence will be hard to avoid in Sudan, barring a quick change in current trends, according to a new USIP report. Much of the outcome hinges on the handling of issues that involve the 2011 referendum on whether the South secedes from Sudan.