Democracy embodies responsive and responsible governance, rule of law, human rights, civic participation and peaceful transfers of power through electoral processes. Each of these underpins a peaceful and stable society. The U.S. Institute of Peace teaches democratic principles and democratization processes and techniques that are critical to both peacebuilding and effective governance. USIP seeks to strengthen governance by supporting inclusive, accountable institutions and a robust civil society. These in turn uphold human rights, justice and the rule of law, and promote public participation in social and political processes.

Featured   Publications

With Milei’s Election, Argentina Heads into Uncharted Territory

With Milei’s Election, Argentina Heads into Uncharted Territory

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

By: Richard M. Sanders

In the 1976 Academy Award-winning film “Network,” a disgruntled television personality convinces his audience to shout “I’m as mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore.” Javier Milei, now president-elect of Argentina, has convinced his country’s voters to do the same thing, only at the ballot box, rather than in the studio. The good news for Milei is that he has won the election. The bad news for him is that he now has to govern and make good his pledge to replace Argentina’s “model of decadence” — this in a nation, which, with ups and downs, has been in long-term decline for almost a century.

Type: Analysis and Commentary

Democracy & Governance

Ahead of Election, Bangladesh’s Political Turmoil Spills into the Streets

Ahead of Election, Bangladesh’s Political Turmoil Spills into the Streets

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

By: Geoffrey Macdonald, Ph.D.

With Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections set for early January, the opposition’s push for the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the installation of an interim election-time government has reached its crescendo — sending the country’s streets and politics into tumult in the process. With no sign of political compromise in sight, Bangladesh’s January elections will likely do little to repair its deep political divisions.

Type: Analysis and Commentary

Democracy & Governance

We Shouldn’t Fear a Resistance Victory in Myanmar

We Shouldn’t Fear a Resistance Victory in Myanmar

Thursday, November 16, 2023

By: Billy Ford;  Thin Zar Htet

As the national uprising against Myanmar’s coup regime has gained strength, a singular question has hovered over the widening campaign: If this patchwork of ethnic armed groups, deposed elected leaders, activists and armed defense forces manages to topple the junta, would they be able to govern, or would the country descend into greater chaos?

Type: Analysis and Commentary

Conflict Analysis & PreventionDemocracy & Governance

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Current  Projects

Tunisia Security Sector Training Reform

Tunisia Security Sector Training Reform

Since 2016, USIP and the Tunisian Ministry of Interior have been working in close partnership to collaboratively build a robust public-service oriented policing model in alignment with democratic norms and national and international standards. As part of these endeavors, with support from the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, USIP and the Tunisian National Guard launched a three-phased initiative to reconceptualize their training system, reinvigorating ongoing efforts to improve operational capacity in the field while upholding core values of accountability, transparency and human dignity.

Democracy & GovernanceEducation & TrainingJustice, Security & Rule of Law

Bipartisan Senior Study Group for the Sahel

Bipartisan Senior Study Group for the Sahel

In May 2021, USIP created the Bipartisan Senior Study Group for the Sahel comprised of 12 current and former high-level U.S. officials, renowned academics and prominent Africa experts. The senior study group aims to generate new insights into the complex challenges facing the Sahel region, including food security, human rights, security assistance, private sector development and job creation — as well as great power competition. The senior study group will provide original recommendations to the U.S. government and governments in the Sahel region to improve foreign assistance, resolve conflict and support lasting peace.

Civilian-Military RelationsDemocracy & GovernancePeace ProcessesViolent Extremism

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