At a time when there is waning confidence in the military campaign in Iraq, General Sir Rupert Smith, one of Great Britain's most distinguished military officers and a leader of peace operations in Bosnia and Kosovo, will examine the current paradox of militaries fighting for peace "among the people." How forces are configured and subordinated to overarching political goals as a result are key challenges facing policymakers today.

  • What is the proper role of military forces in resolving conflict and building peace?
  • When should force be used and how?
  • How should force be applied in current situations today in Iraq, Afghanistan and Darfur?

Speakers

  • General Sir Rupert Smith
    Former Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe,
    Last Commander of the U.N. Peacekeeping Force (UNPROFOR) in Bosnia
  • Paul Hughes, Commentator
    Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired)
    U.S. Institute of Peace
  • Daniel P. Serwer, Moderator
    U.S. Institute of Peace

Latest Publications

Nine Things to Know About Myanmar’s Conflict Three Years On

Nine Things to Know About Myanmar’s Conflict Three Years On

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

On March 28, 2021, barely two months after the February 1 coup in Myanmar, a minor skirmish erupted at the Tarhan protest in Kalay township in central Sagaing region as demonstrators took up makeshift weapons to defend themselves against ruthless assaults by the junta’s security forces. This was the first recorded instance of civilian armed resistance to the military’s violent crackdown on peaceful protesters since the February 1 coup d’état.

Type: Analysis

Global Policy

Bangladesh’s Growing Role in Maritime Security

Bangladesh’s Growing Role in Maritime Security

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Despite several years of relative calm, piracy is back in the western Indian Ocean. When the Houthis began attacking international shipping in the Red Sea in late 2023, Somali pirates saw an opportunity to conduct attacks on ships off the Horn of Africa.

Type: Analysis

Global Policy

Blinken’s China Trip Shows Both Sides Want to Stabilize Ties

Blinken’s China Trip Shows Both Sides Want to Stabilize Ties

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to China last week as part of a series of recent high-level contacts between Washington and Beijing. Although no major breakthroughs came out of the trip, it demonstrates that both sides want to prevent bilateral ties from sinking any lower, even as U.S.-China competition continues to intensify.

Type: Question and Answer

Global Policy

Ambassador William Taylor on the Latest U.S. Aid to Ukraine

Ambassador William Taylor on the Latest U.S. Aid to Ukraine

Monday, April 29, 2024

The latest round of U.S. military aid to Ukraine will help halt Russia’s slow, grinding advance. But more long-term aid is needed to not only push back Russian forces, but to deter another future invasion, says USIP’s Ambassador William Taylor. “The only way that this war is going to end is for [Putin’s] cause … to end.”

Type: Podcast

Baghdad Is Ready for a New Chapter in U.S.-Iraq Relations

Baghdad Is Ready for a New Chapter in U.S.-Iraq Relations

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani met last week with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House as part of a weeklong visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. The visit occurred amid several historic anniversaries and dangerous developments in the Middle East. April marks the 21st anniversary of the toppling of Saddam Hussein. Since 2003, the U.S.-Iraq relationship has witnessed many ups and downs. Even as tensions persist, particularly in relation to the U.S. troop presence in the country, al-Sudani’s visit — which featured the largest delegation Iraqis have brought to Washington — demonstrates Iraqi will to start a new chapter in the strategic partnership that goes beyond security.

Type: Analysis

Democracy & GovernanceGlobal Policy

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