Publications & Tools

Reflecting the Institute's commitment to utilizing cost-effective approaches to empower others with knowledge, skills, and resources that promote the peaceful resolution of conflict, USIP supports U.S. and Pakistani nonprofit organizations producing media geared toward women and youth, countering extremist messaging.

In partnership with the National Academy of Engineering, the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) on May 23 hosted a workshop with experts from government and the NGO community to examine “Using Data Sharing to Improve Coordination in Peacebuilding.”

Evaluating the work that peacebuilders do and the impact it has can all seem a bit wonky. But it's critically, and increasingly, important. It is always important to show where the work an organization has done has had an effect. But it's even more important now, in an age of funding scrutiny. And many in the peacebuilding and aid work community are looking for success stories – examples of what works and what doesn't, but also effective approaches to monitoring and evaluation that could even be replicated.

This paper reflects both authors' concern that neglect of the opium economy in coming years could be perilous, exacerbate problems, possibly lead to poorly thought-out knee-jerk reactions and/or simplistic responses which would only worsen the situation, and further damage the prospects for success of what will inevitably be a difficult and challenging process of transition in Afghanistan.

There are a variety of contexts in which the empowerment of women in Pakistan can be considered, but none is more critical than law: How women’s legal rights are framed is fundamental to considering how best to advance women’s empowerment. After situating women’s legal rights in Pakistan, this Special Report reviews key features of recent legislation affecting women’s rights, explores the controversies surrounding this legislation, and elaborates on ongoing challenges to develop further legislation, particularly in light of opposition from Islamist groups.