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United States Institute of Peace

Interfaith Conflict Resolution

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This course is designed to enhance the peacemaking capacities of individuals and faith-based organizations by focusing on objectives, methods, and best practices of interfaith dialogue, a form of religious peacemaking increasingly recognized for its relevance to 21st century conflict.

Note: This course is no longer active, but remains a resource for peacebuilders worldwide. For archival purposes, it will be kept available. Please note, however, that we are unable to respond to any inquires or troubleshoot any technical issues encountered. To view a list of our current online course offerings, please visit our courses page

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Religion is frequently cited as a cause of violent conflict, yet dialogue between faith communities often reveals that religion is not a primary source of tension. Moreover, faith-based approaches to peacemaking can be invaluable in promoting understanding and reconciliation.

The course applies general principles of faith-based peacemaking to two case studies, highlighting interfaith peacemaking efforts between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria, as well as the role that various faith communities played in helping to bring and end to the 36-year internal armed conflict in Guatemala.

Introduction to Interfaith Conflict Resolution

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Course Objectives:

In completing this course, you will gain proficiency in the following skills:

  • Identifying key challenges and opportunities associated with religion and peacemaking
  • Identifying typical phases of interfaith dialogue, along with common objectives, proven methodologies, and best practices
  • Analyzing case studies in interfaith dialogue with reference to objectives, methods, and best practices
  • Developing effective goals and objectives for programs involving interfaith dialogue
  • Applying proven methods and best practices in programs involving interfaith dialogue
  • Responding to challenges and obstacles associated with establishing effective dialogue between faith communities
  • Identifying ways that faith leaders can be effective in third-party engagement
  • Analyzing case studies and applying lessons learned in faith-based third-party efforts

This course includes numerous perspectives on the subject of interfaith conflict resolution, as well as on conflict in Nigeria and Guatemala. These perspectives come in the form of media clips culled from over twenty hours of interviews that we have conducted with Institute specialists and other noted specialists.

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Philippines: Former Combatants Help Keep the Peace During Recent Polls

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By: Haroro Ingram, Country Director, Philippines, USIP

For decades, the struggle for peace in the Philippines’ southernmost island of Mindanao has been characterized by armed conflict between the Philippines government and Moro separatist groups, like the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and cycles of failed peace processes. The historic 2014 peace agreement between the Philippines government and MILF led to the granting of greater self-governance with the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) five years later. What has followed since is an unprecedented, yet very fragile, period of peace and stability.

Type: Analysis

With Cease-fire Holding, Can Israel and Iran Move Toward De-escalation?

With Cease-fire Holding, Can Israel and Iran Move Toward De-escalation?

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

By: Sarhang Hamasaeed, Acting Vice President, Middle East and North Africa, USIP

Israel’s stunning and sophisticated June 13 attack on Iran set off a worrying 12-day escalatory spiral. Iran responded in short order with ballistic missile and drone strikes, which led to a series of tit-for-tat exchanges between the two sides. A cease-fire is now in place -- but will it hold?

Type: Analysis

What Are the Limits of U.S.-India Security Burden-Sharing in the Indian Ocean?

What Are the Limits of U.S.-India Security Burden-Sharing in the Indian Ocean?

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By: Nilanthi Samaranayake, Adjunct Fellow, East-West Center

When viewing U.S. partnerships in the maritime domain, relations with India, in particular, have thrived — especially over the past decade. Moreover, the partnership enjoys bipartisan support in the United States. Indications after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the White House in February 2025 are that U.S.-India security relations will continue to be strong in the second Trump administration.

Type: Analysis

What’s at Stake for China in the Iran War?

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Monday, June 23, 2025

By: Adam Gallagher, Editor in Chief, USIP

China has major energy and economic interests that are threatened by an escalating conflict. But Beijing may also see some strategic opportunities with the U.S. focused on the war. Ultimately, China is likely unwilling, and unable, to make a serious effort to broker peace.

Type: Analysis

The Element of Surprise: Space and Cyber Warfare in U.S.-China Rivalry

The Element of Surprise: Space and Cyber Warfare in U.S.-China Rivalry

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

By: Dean Cheng

The 2024 revelations over China’s effort to implant malware in critical U.S. infrastructure by the Volt Typhoon hacking group — as well as the Salt Typhoon group’s successful breaching of at least nine major U.S. telecoms — have renewed concern over Beijing’s constant, ongoing efforts to hack Western companies, governments and non-governmental organizations. Unlike past incidents, like those involving Chinese military unit 61398, which were largely about cyber espionage, the Volt Typhoon group was actively implanting malware designed to disrupt critical infrastructure such as water and power systems.

Type: Analysis

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