“In this extraordinary volume, Matthew Levinger serves as a wise guide through a vast landscape of conflict, war, and peace. His chapters on the causes of war and violence are remarkably clear and thoughtful, followed by a seamless presentation of the most important tools for analyzing complex, chaotic conflict situations. He includes lively, concise case studies that bring his explanations to life, and he presents complex ideas in a way that both professionals and those new to the field can immediately grasp and appreciate. His chapter on “cognitive minefields” is a particularly helpful reminder that we are all hardwired to be susceptible to groupthink and miscalculation, yet some basic self-awareness can help avoid these traps. The central message of this book is one of empowerment: you do not need to be a peacebuilding professional to be able to analyze conflict, and we can all be more effective working in conflict areas if we are fluent with these tools. I recommend this book for anyone working in a conflict zone and for everyone who desires a deeper understanding of the forces for war and peace in our world.”
Melanie Greenberg, president and CEO, Alliance for Peacebuilding

“More than yet another conflict assessment framework, this comprehensive primer describes a wide array of analytical tools and processes that development, diplomacy, and humanitarian professionals can use to grasp complex conflict situations and avoid cognitive traps in order to engage effectively. Drawing from research in multiple disciplines, the author reviews global trends in conflict and major theories. Using diverse and interesting examples, he then ably explains the distinct functions as well as complementarities of conflict watch lists, early warning, analyses of drivers of conflict and of peace, narratives, conflict and systems mapping, scenarios, participatory rural appraisal, SWOT analysis, and collaborative planning. The appendices provide useful matrices and annotated links to leading conflict databases. Overall, a compelling case for understanding conflicts before responding.”
Michael S. Lund, senior specialist, conflict and peacebuilding, Management Systems International, Inc.

“This book is a must-read for all analysts and practitioners seeking to cope with conflict. It presents a wealth of techniques for assessing the nature of a conflict and the points of possible intervention. It also discusses the steps and pitfalls in developing a plan of action. Much attention is given to understanding the strengths and weaknesses of one’s own organization and resources as well as the conflict environment. The book is broadly rooted in the literature on analysis and planning and provides good concrete examples at every point. It is a deep and thoroughly practical handbook.”
Dean G. Pruitt, Distinguished Scholar in Residence, The School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, George Mason University

“A comprehensive description of the costs of deadly conflict and an important contribution on conflict analysis. Levinger describes how to take an analytical approach to identifying the diverse dimensions fueling conflict.”
Lisa Schirch, director, 3P Human Security: Partners for Peacebuilding Policy, and research professor, Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, Eastern Mennonite University

Latest Publications

What a Transitional Government in Haiti will Require to Succeed

What a Transitional Government in Haiti will Require to Succeed

Thursday, March 28, 2024

By: Nicolás Devia-Valbuena;  Keith Mines

After weeks of consultations, and amidst a near total breakdown of law and order in Haiti, a Caribbean Community (CARICOM)-led effort to create a new transitional governing council may be nearing completion. The council’s establishment would allow for the entry of a multinational security force that would then be able to join with the Haitian National Police and restore order. Some have suggested the inclusion of “enablers” for the new security force — air support, drones, intelligence. But to gain the trust of the Haitian people, the new governing council will need its own popular “enablers,” a systematic way to include many more sectors of Haitian society that are currently ignored or deliberately excluded from governance.

Type: Analysis

Global Policy

Promoting Peace and Stability in the Americas through Religious Freedom

Promoting Peace and Stability in the Americas through Religious Freedom

Thursday, March 28, 2024

By: Knox Thames

The Western Hemisphere is generally known for protecting freedom of religion or belief. With a few notable exceptions, the countries of the region all enshrine religious freedom at the constitutional level and protect it through laws and policies. But in recent years, authoritarian governments in South America have increasingly viewed religious actors as threats to their regime’s survival and tried to control or crush independent religious activity.

Type: Analysis

Religion

Moscow Concert Hall Attack Will Have Far-Reaching Impact

Moscow Concert Hall Attack Will Have Far-Reaching Impact

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

By: Mary Glantz, Ph.D.;  Gavin Helf, Ph.D.;  Asfandyar Mir, Ph.D.;  Andrew Watkins

On Friday, terrorists attacked the Crocus City Hall outside Moscow leaving 140 people dead and 80 others critically wounded. Soon after, the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack. The terrorist group, which is headquartered in Iraq and Syria, has several branches, including in South and Central Asia. Press reports suggest the U.S. government believes the Afghanistan-based affiliate of the Islamic State, ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K), was behind the attack. The Biden administration has publicly noted that it had warned the Russian government of the terrorism threat in early March in line with the procedure of “Duty to Warn.”

Type: Analysis

Global Policy

What Does the U.N. Cease-Fire Resolution Mean for the Israel-Gaza War?

What Does the U.N. Cease-Fire Resolution Mean for the Israel-Gaza War?

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

By: Robert Barron

On March 25, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) passed Resolution 2728, calling for an “immediate” cease-fire in Gaza. The motion’s passage came after weeks of back and forth and posturing among the UNSC’s permanent and rotating members. The exact phrasing of the resolution and its relevance to the situation on the ground, as well as bilateral and multilateral relations — particularly U.S.-Israel ties — have been the subject of heavy public and media attention since Monday, raising questions about the resolution’s subtext, intent and limitations. USIP’s Robert Barron looks at these questions.

Type: Question and Answer

Global PolicyPeace Processes

Angela Stent on the Terror Attack in Moscow

Angela Stent on the Terror Attack in Moscow

Monday, March 25, 2024

By: Angela Stent

While ISIS has claimed responsibility for the devastating terror attack in Moscow, Putin has baselessly tried to shift the blame to Ukraine, says USIP’s Angela Stent: “[Putin] wants to use this to increase repression at home … and also to pursue a more aggressive path in Ukraine.”

Type: Podcast

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