As a national, nonpartisan, independent Institute, the U.S. Institute of Peace draws on our exceptional convening power to create opportunities for diverse audiences to exchange knowledge, experiences, and ideas necessary for creative solutions to difficult challenges. We serve as an important, neutral platform for bringing together government and nongovernment, diplomacy, security, and development actors, and participants across political views. The Institute’s events help shape public policy and priorities to advance peaceful solutions to conflict and strengthen international security.
On March 28 USIP hosted a presentation by Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman who recently concluded visits to five key African states. Wendy Sherman shared her observations about the importance of a holistic approach to sustained political and social development, as well as economic growth.
Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) and Peace Brigades International (PBI), two of the leaders in unarmed civilian protection, will present how peacekeeping works without guns, what lessons are being learned, and how this practice can now be brought to scale.
On March 7th, USIP and the Richard Nixon Foundation hosted a day-long symposium marking the 40th Anniversary of President Nixon’s extraordinary meetings with leaders of the People’s Republic of China. President Nixon’s trip was a watershed moment for the Sino-American relationship and its effects are still being felt today. The conference focused primarily on examining the origins of the trip, the current status of Sino-American relations and the outlook for the future of this critical bilate...
Israeli-Palestinian talks are at a standstill and Fatah-Hamas reconciliation moves raise new questions about the direction of the conflict and the continuation of Western aid. Meanwhile, religiously-motivated attacks in Israel and the Palestinian Territories are on the rise. Given the current low expectations for Israeli-Palestinian political negotiations, what is the role of religious leaders in preventing incitement and promoting peace? What has been achieved, and what are the current chall...
On February 27 USIP hosted Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Andrew Shapiro for a public event. Mr. Shapiro discussed U.S. programs to build global peacekeeping capacity, and the way these efforts help advance U.S. national security. Read the event coverage, State’s Shapiro, at USIP, Outlines U.S. Policy on Peacekeeping
The United States Institute of Peace brought together a diverse group of speakers to discuss the roles of the international community, particularly the United Nations and regional institutions in the peace processes in Latin America.
On February 15, USIP hosted Ambassador Sherry Rehman, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan’s Ambassador to the U.S., for a conversation on Pakistan and the Pakistan-U.S. relationship. This discussion, Ambassador Rehman’s first public speaking engagement to a Washington policy audience since her arrival in Washington, also marked the first time a Pakistani official has spoken publicly in Washington since the November NATO airstrike on a Pakistani border post that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers. ...
Rebuilding economies after protracted chaos or violent conflict requires careful thought and political courage. By creating dynamic and inclusive growth, reconstruction zones could help countries stand on their own feet, consolidate peace, and overcome the unsustainable aid dependency to which they have grown accustomed. This event examined the validity of this approach, using Afghanistan and Pakistan as case studies.
On February 1, 2012, USIP and the Atlantic Council hosted President Mikheil Saakashvili of Georgia as he addressed what Georgia, North Africa, and other reforming societies have in common. Read the event coverage, Georgian President, at USIP, Says Reforms Must Follow Revolutions
In May, President Obama defined the Arab Spring as a “historic opportunity” to redefine and strengthen America’s relationships in the Middle East, demonstrating that “America values the dignity of the street vendor . . . more than the raw power of the dictator.” One year after the “Jasmine Revolution” in Tunisia, has the promise of the Arab Awakening been realized? Please join former national security adviser Stephen Hadley and former Jordanian foreign minister Marwan Muasher on Wednesday, Ja...