This course provides an overview of the peacebuilding field and introduces the skills needed to succeed in it. Guided through an exploration of USIP’s 30+ year experience engaging with local partners in conflict zones around the world, learners are exposed to a set of key theories, skills and approaches to building peace and to real-world examples that exemplify the complex challenges of peacebuilding.

UNAMID Head of Office in Sector North, Hassan Gibril, salutes (right) king Yassir, the head of Al-Berti tribe, in his palace in Mellit, Norh Darfur. (Flickr/UNAMID)
UNAMID Head of Office in Sector North, Hassan Gibril, salutes (right) king Yassir, the head of Al-Berti tribe, in his palace in Mellit, Norh Darfur. (Flickr/UNAMID)

Learning objectives:

  • Explore and define different conceptions of peace, conflict, and violence.
  • List and identify key skills and fields of practice utilized in building peace.
  • Trace the history and evolution of peacebuilding as both a practice and a field of study.
  • Think about how peacebuilding skills can be applied to real-life dilemmas and challenges.
  • Compare and contrast application of peacebuilding skills across different contexts.

If you cannot view the video, click here to download it.

Agenda

Chapter 1: Introduction to Peace, Conflict, and Violence

This chapter provides a definition of conflict through which one can explore the social, political, and economic dynamics of peace and violence. It also provides a short history on how the peacebuilding field has evolved, compares and contrasts different definitions for peacebuilding and lays out scientific research that supports peacebuilding work.

Chapter 2: Overview of Peacebuilding Approaches

This chapter lays out the spectrum of tools and approaches utilized by peacebuilders in different contexts. It introduces the different roles third parties can play in building peace, while at the same time emphasizing the importance of local ownership of the process and outcome of such efforts. Finally, it presents five, 21st century priorities for building peace around the world.

Chapter 3: Communication Skills

This chapter presents six different active listening techniques and why they are integral to one’s practice as a peacebuilder. It also provides an important distinction between two forms of (group) communication – dialogue and debate.

Chapter 4: Conclusion

This concluding chapter presents a number of different conflict scenarios and invites participants to apply what they have learned through the training by recognizing and integrating different peacebuilding skills and approaches.

Instructors and Guest Experts

Course Instructors

Guest Experts

  • Pamela Aall, Senior Advisor, U.S. Institute of Peace
  • Susan Hayward, Director, Religion & Inclusive Societies, U.S. Institute of Peace
  • Jeffrey Helsing, Peacebuilding Consultant & former Associate Vice President, U.S. Institute of Peace
  • Illana M. Lancaster, Senior Program Officer, U.S. Institute of Peace
  • Matthew Levinger, Director, National Security Studies Program; Program Director, Master of International Policy and Practice; George Washington University
  • Nancy Lindborg, former President and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace
  • George Lopez, The Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., Professor Emeritus of Peace Studies, Notre Dame
  • Michael S. Lund, International Relations Consultant
  • Althea Middleton-Detzner, Director, PeaceTech Lab 
  • Alison Milofsky, Director, Curriculum and Training Design, U.S. Institute of Peace
  • Maria J. Stephan, former Senior Advisor, U.S. Institute of Peace
  • William B. Taylor, Vice President, Strategic Stability and Security, U.S. Institute of Peace
  • Anthony Wanis-St. John, Director, International Peace and Conflict Resolution MA program, American University

A wide array of current and former USIP experts and practitioners share their insights, reflections and stories from the field in this course:

  • Khitam Al-Khaykanee, Program Officer, Rule of Law, Justice and Security, U.S. Institute of Peace
  • Ferdaouis Bagga, Program Manager, National Democratic Institute
  • Rusty Barber, Director of Program Development & Operations, U.S. Institute of Peace
  • Ariana Barth, Associate Director, Arabella Advisors
  • Linda Bishai, Director of Research, Evaluation and Learning, Rule of Law Initiative of the American Bar Association
  • Ginny Bouvier, Former Senior Advisor, Inclusive Peace Processes, U.S. Institute of Peace
  • Dr. Erica Chenoweth, Associate Professor, Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver
  • Muhammad Fraser-Rahim, Executive Director, North America, Quilliam International
  • Nadia Gerspacher, Former Director, Security Sector Education, Academy for International Conflict Management and Peacebuilding
  • Georgia Holmer, Senior Advisor for Anti-terrorism Issues, OSCE Secretariat
  • John Lewis, former U.S. House of Representative for Georgia  
  • Aubrey Cox Ottenstein, Global Executive Director, Young Professionals in Foreign Policy
  • Colette Rausch, Research Professor, George Mason University
  • Hodei Sultan, Program Officer, Asia Center, U.S. Institute of Peace
  • Lauren Van Metre, Former Acting Vice President, Applied Research on Conflict, U.S. Institute of Peace
  • Andrew Wilder, Vice President, Asia Center, U.S. Institute of Peace

Related Publications

The Latest @ USIP: Peace Games and Crisis Preparedness

The Latest @ USIP: Peace Games and Crisis Preparedness

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

By: Sale Lilly

When a crisis or disaster strikes, organizations and institutions usually don’t have time to suddenly revise or change their policy. Games or simulations allow actors to plan ahead and ensure that their response system is prepared for whatever might unfold. Sale Lilly, a designer of war games and crisis simulations, discusses applying his work to peacebuilding, why building off historical scenarios can add a layer a realism to the exercise, and why inviting the right people is just as important as the design itself.

Type: Blog

Conflict Analysis & Prevention

Libya Can Move Past Its Political Deadlock, But It Will Take Work to Maintain A ‘Deal’

Libya Can Move Past Its Political Deadlock, But It Will Take Work to Maintain A ‘Deal’

Friday, May 19, 2023

By: Andrew Cheatham

Since 2012, multiple failed political transitions have taken their toll on the Libyan people. The continued and increasingly complex internal divisions and external vectors affecting Libya threaten to send it into another spiral of crisis and violence. Local and national leaders working in good faith to stabilize the country have inevitably grown cynical as ruling elites and their international partners fail to deliver local security and good governance.

Type: Analysis and Commentary

Conflict Analysis & PreventionPeace Processes

Sudan: Engage Civilians Now, Not Later

Sudan: Engage Civilians Now, Not Later

Thursday, May 18, 2023

By: Susan Stigant

Over the last month, a series of cease-fires in Sudan have yielded minimal results. Fighting between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has continued and even intensified in some places. While the capital Khartoum and areas surrounding key infrastructure remain the core battlegrounds, the clashes have spread into other parts of the country.

Type: Analysis and Commentary

Conflict Analysis & PreventionPeace Processes

Amid the Fight for Myanmar, Federalism Rises from the Grass Roots

Amid the Fight for Myanmar, Federalism Rises from the Grass Roots

Thursday, May 11, 2023

By: Priscilla A. Clapp;  Arkar Hein

On April 11, Myanmar’s ruthless military dictatorship showed just how much it fears the emergence of local governments that have slipped beyond its control. As about 200 villagers in the Sagaing region celebrated a new administrative center after junta-controlled officials had fled, fighter jets swooped in and dropped munitions on the crowd. When people sought to retrieve the dead and injured, an Mi35 helicopter arrived and circled, strafing the scene. At least 170 people, including women and children, died in the attack.

Type: Analysis and Commentary

Conflict Analysis & PreventionDemocracy & Governance

View All Publications