Developing and Managing Congo’s Natural Resources

Sunday, July 1, 2007

By: Dorina Bekoe;  Christina Parajon

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is among the most mineral-rich countries in Africa. During the war, those natural resources fueled the conflict, and provided illegal sources of wealth for some. Now, as the DRC undertakes the rebuilding of its economy, the management of natural resources serves as a key component in its development strategy.

Type: Peace Brief

Rebuilding Civil Society in Afghanistan: Fragile Progress and Formidable Obstacles

Sunday, July 1, 2007

By: Christina Caan;  Scott Worden

Nearly six years after the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan, efforts to develop civil society are showing tentative signs of progress. The effectiveness of civil society in influencing development in the provinces remains low, and rising insecurity in many regions threatens the future prospects of the nascent Afghan civil society.

Type: Peace Brief

Building Democracy in Burma

Sunday, July 1, 2007

By: Priscilla Clapp

This report was commissioned by USIP's Center for Conflict Analysis and Prevention. It draws on the deliberations of prominent U.S. and international academics and NGO/IGO representatives on how the international community can prepare itself to support the inevitable future political transition in Burma.  Read Priscilla Clapp's Special Report, Burma's Long Road to Democracy, published in November 2007.

U.S.-Iran Relations

Thursday, June 21, 2007

By: Suzanne Maloney

Briefing before the bipartisan Congressional briefing series sponsored by Congressmen Howard Berman (D-CA) and Chris Shays (R-CT) on the rising tensions in U.S.-Iran relations over Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Iran’s nuclear ambitions featuring Suzanne Maloney, co-chair of USIP’s Iran Policy Forum, and the International Crisis Group.

Type: Congressional Testimony

Guide for Participants in Peace, Stability, and Relief Operations

Guide for Participants in Peace, Stability, and Relief Operations

Friday, June 15, 2007

The Guide is a "one-stop shop" for information on International Organizations (IOs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and U.S. military and civilian organizations involved in peacebuilding operations. It is organized to make information readily accessible, incorporates a number of illustrative scenarios, and includes concise descriptions of institutional roles and cultures. It is formatted to fit easily into a pocket or backpack. Extensive involvement by a Steering Committee representin...

Type: Tools for Peacebuilding

Haiti's Drug Problem

Friday, June 1, 2007

By: Robert Perito;  Greg Maly

At their White House meeting on May 8, 2007, President Bush promised Haitian President Rene Preval that the United States would do more to help Haiti fight drugs and drug traffickers. What is the effect of narcotics trafficking on Haiti's security and stability? What is the nature of U.S. counter-narcotics assistance?

Type: Peace Brief

EnvironmentEconomics

The Iraq Hydrocarbon Law: How and When?

Friday, June 1, 2007

By: Christina Parajon

The much-discussed and often delayed Iraqi hydrocarbon law, approved by the Iraqi cabinet in February, is a bellwether for the future of the Iraqi state. Successful passage and implementation of the law would reflect a strong spirit of compromise and help to calm violence. If, on the other hand, the proposed law fails to pass, it will have negative repercussions for Iraq’s social, economic and political stability.

Type: Peace Brief

The Role of the Media in Conflict

Friday, June 1, 2007

By: Yll Bajraktari;  Christina Parajon

The first meeting of the Institute's Media and Conflict Working Group analyzed the role of the media throughout the conflict cycle. While a considerable amount of analysis has focused on the media’s potential to support democracy efforts and build sustainable peace, no similar effort has been given to analyze the role media can play in conflict prevention.

Type: Peace Brief