For Immediate Release, November 22, 2013
Contact: Allison Sturma, 202-429-3869

(Washington) – Governments around the world regularly devote enormous resources to conducting “war games.” On December 9 and 10, the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) and The FP Group (FP) will conduct the inaugural PeaceGame, with a focus on “the best possible peace for Syria.”

The leading minds in national security policy, international affairs, academia, business, and media will convene at the USIP headquarters in Washington to “game out” how peace can be achieved, using as much creativity and seriousness as is currently committed to planning for war. USIP and FP intend for the semi-annual PeaceGames to redefine how leaders think about conflict resolution and the possibility of peace.

Participants in this inaugural PeaceGame will begin with a discussion of potential scenarios for peace in Syria and the steps and conditions necessary to achieve it. Players then will assume roles representing different stakeholders in the Syrian war. They will explore four scenarios representing different phases of a peace process: Achieving a Near-Term Political Solution, Pacification, Transformation and Institutionalization, and Stabilization. They will formulate a prescriptive solution to the Syrian crisis and illuminate the essentials of peace. This includes enumerating the institutions and capabilities needed to achieve peace, and how thinking seriously about peace might change how national and international institutions approach their short and long-term missions.

The event is open to credentialed press. Pre-registration for this event is required. All credential requests for “PeaceGame” must be submitted by 3:00 p.m. EST on Friday, December 6, to the USIP Media Desk, interviews@usip.org, or 202-429-3869.

Location
U.S. Institute of Peace
2301 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20037

Dates and Times
On December 9, 2013 the event begins at 9:00 a.m. and will conclude at 6:30 p.m.
On December 10, 2013, the event begins at 8:45 a.m. and will conclude at 12:30 p.m.

Webcast
This event will be webcast live at http://www.usip.org/current-usip-webcast.

Video photography
Due to the venue setup, video crews must contact Allison Sturma at asturma@usip.org or 202-429-4725 for additional logistical information.

Credentialing Policy
Media credentials are available to reporters, editors working as reporters, producers, camera operators and still photographers who work for legitimate media organizations and who present their official government-issued press credentials. Exceptions must be approved by the Director of Public Affairs and Communications (PAC), or his/her designee. Media representatives who violate guidelines for coverage of an USIP event, whether written or oral, may have their credentials withdrawn.

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About The United States Institute of Peace (USIP)
The United States Institute of Peace is an independent, nonpartisan conflict management center created by Congress to prevent and mitigate international conflict through nonviolent means. USIP saves lives, increases the government’s ability to deal with conflicts before they escalate, reduces government costs, and enhances national security. USIP is headquartered in Washington, DC. To learn more, visit www.usip.org.

About The FP Group (FP)
The FP Group is a division of Graham Holdings Company and an internationally renowned source for real-time insight and analysis on global affairs. Products and services of the group include ForeignPolicy.com, Foreign Policy magazine and FP Events. http://fpgroup.foreignpolicy.com