Initiatives

In order to reach a viable peace, institutional performance in conflict zones must balance drivers of conflict.

USIP is helping develop metrics for measuring progress in reconstruction and stabilization operations. This effort is a partnership between USIP, the U.S. State Department (Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization), the Fund for Peace, the U.S. Army’s Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute, and US Army Corps of Engineers.

Kosovo.  Photo Courtesy New York Times

Sustainable stability in the Balkans requires continuous international efforts, including the insights of those individuals with extensive in the field experience.  
 

Map of the Balkans (Source: CIA World Factbook)

USIP has been engaged in the Balkans since 1996, starting in Bosnia immediately after the signing of the Dayton Accords, and later expanding its activities to Kosovo, Serbia, Montenegro, and Macedonia.

Guiding Principles for Stabilization and Reconstruction
Man sits on top of earthquake rubble in Haiti (NYT Photo)

USIP's Haiti Working Group holds monthly, public meetings to focus the attention of Washington policymakers on Haiti.

(U.S. Air Force photo / Staff Sgt. Joshua T Jasper)

USIP's Lessons Learned program captures the experiences of US military and civilian officials returning from work in Sudan, Iraq, and Afghanistan. 

U.S. Army Sgt. with the 302nd Military Police Company, discusses building entry procedures with an Iraqi Police officer during training in Mosul, Iraq. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kamaile O. Chan)

USIP is working with Center of Excellence for Police Stability Units (CoESPU) to develop a Standard Training Module and readiness standards for stability police units. We are also helping to develop stability policing doctrine and doctrine to protect Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

(NYT PHOTO)

As the dramatic events of the Arab Spring turn to the more mundane yet vital work of governance, constitution writing and peacebuilding, USIP is on the ground, bringing its unique brand of action and expertise to the effort.

The Iran Primer is a practical and accessible “go-to” resource for practitioners, policymakers, academics, and students, as well as a fascinating wealth of information for anyone interested in understanding Iran’s pivotal role in world politics.

 A student from the Janquadam Middle School in Janquadam Village, Afghanistan, receives a backpack from Task Force Warrior soldiers during a humanitarian aid mission on April 20, 2009. DoD photo by Sgt. Warren Wright, U.S. Army. (released)

The Working Group serves as a venue for discussion on the challenges posed by operations where combat and reconstruction and relief are occurring simultaneously.