Publications
Articles, publications, books, tools and multimedia features from the U.S. Institute of Peace provide the latest news, analysis, research findings, practitioner guides and reports, all related to the conflict zones and issues that are at the center of the Institute’s work to prevent and reduce violent conflict.
Humanitarian Space Shrinking for Health Program Delivery in Afghanistan and Pakistan
This Peace Brief uses the work of one NGO, the International Medical Corps, as a case study to understand the factors that are contributing to the diminution of humanitarian space and actions that could possibly expand it.
Crescent and Dove
Crescent and Dove looks at the relationship between contemporary Islam and peacemaking by tackling the diverse interpretations, concepts, and problems in the field of Islamic peacemaking. It addresses both theory and practice by delving into the intellectual heritage of Islam to discuss historical examples of addressing conflict in Islam and exploring the practical challenges of contemporary peacemaking in Arab countries, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, and Indonesia.
Make It Theirs
This report from the United States Institute of Peace’s Center of Innovation for Media, Conflict and Peacebuilding illustrates the importance of local ownership in peacebuilding and stabilization operations—not just in concept but in practice.
The Civil Society-Military Relationship in Afghanistan
This brief is a report on a one-day civil-military roundtable to identify tensions, tradeoffs and opportunities found in the civil society–military relationship in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan: Conditions-Based Redeployment
President Barack Obama’s policy of a conditions-based redeployment in Afghanistan starting in July 2011 leaves him a lot of flexibility. The administration will likely decide to maintain the troop numbers in Afghanistan near the surge level next year, pending another review.
Navigating Negotiations in Afghanistan
This brief is based on six months of field research conducted by Matt Waldman in Afghanistan for a forthcoming USIP report on the drivers of the insurgency and the risks, feasibility and implications of negotiations.
On the Issues: What if Kabul Bank Fails?
Afghanistan’s largest commercial bank, Kabul Bank, went into turmoil after its top two directors stepped down in early September 2010 amid allegations of systemic corruption. Kabul Bank shortly thereafter froze the assets of the former chairman and former chief executive officer, as well as those of several other shareholders and major borrowers. USIP’s Raymond Gilpin provides context and offers his perspective on this crisis.
Many Shuras Do Not a Government Make: International Community Engagement with Local Councils in Afghanistan
The need to engage local Afghan leaders and support community decision making has recently been promoted as a key element of both development and counterinsurgency strategies in Afghanistan. This Peace Brief supports the attempts to create a coherent long-term goal of local governance based on legitimate local actors, most likely selected through elections.
Improving High-Value Resource Contracting in Afghanistan
Afghanistan’s vast mineral wealth could contribute to state-building and sustainable development if mining contracts are fair, transparent and effectively monitored. Prudent management of mineral resources could trigger and sustain equitable economic growth and lay the foundation for lasting peace.
Real Change for Afghan Women's Rights: Opportunities and Challenges in the Upcoming Parliamentary Elections
This Peace Brief highlights key issues that must be resolved to ensure Afghan women’s continued political participation in the upcoming parliamentary elections on September 18, 2010 and beyond.