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.
Hawk and Dove: What a Special Forces Soldier Learned about Peace
Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates likes to say that some of the biggest doves are in uniform. It’s the kind of counterintuitive declaration that, in fact, the military is very skeptical when it comes to military action, and prefers peace to battle almost anytime.
Liberian President Optimistic on Country’s Outlook
If there is a Cinderella story in sub-Saharan Africa, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf would argue it belongs to Liberia. Years of civil war, economic mismanagement and staggering debt all conspired to bring an already-ravaged economy to its knees by 2005. Read how President Sirleaf worked to turn the country around.
The Coming Turkish-Iranian Competition In Iraq
This report reviews the growing competition between Turkey and Iran for influence in Iraq as the U.S. troop withdrawal proceeds. In doing so, it finds an alignment of interests between Baghdad, Ankara, and Washington, D.C., in a strong and stable Iraq fueled by increased hydrocarbon production. Where possible, the United States should therefore encourage Turkish and Iraqi cooperation and economic integration as a key part of its post-2011 strategy for Iraq and the region. This analysis is bas...
Political Trends in the African Great Lakes Region
Despite recent elections in Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda and upcoming • elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Great Lakes region shows worrying trends toward electoral authoritarianism and political fragmentation, with new divisions that intensify the potential for confrontation.
The Challenge of Keeping Haitians Safe
Robert Maguire, Chairman of USIP's Haiti Working Group, analyzes the various aspects of security – political, economic, personal and criminal – in Haiti.
Next Steps in Cote d'Ivoire
USIP expert Raymond Gilpin testifies before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on the economic costs and consequences of the recent post-election crisis in Cote d'Ivoire.
Update from Beirut: Region Anticipates President Obama’s Speech
USIP’s Steve Heydemann in Beirut, Lebanon discusses the latest developments in Syria, the regional response to the U.S.’s recently announced sanctions on the Syrian government, and what the region will want to hear in President Barack Obama’s speech.
Three African Presidents on Sudan’s Challenges Ahead
This summer, Sudan splits into two countries after a reasonably peaceful referendum earlier this year. But even as the country prepares to go separate ways – Southern Sudan is expected to declare its independence July 9th – there remain a number of issues that, if unresolved, put at risk the hard won peace.
Mixing Business with Peace
The link between creating strong local economies and preventing conflict has long been established. But with so much volatility around the world, many experts believe now is the time to make something happen.
Long-term peace in Côte d'Ivoire after Gbagbo?
Almost five months after Ivoirian presidential elections adjudged by African states, African organizations and the United Nations to have been won by Alassane Ouattara, the electoral stalemate has ended with the arrest of Laurent Gbagbo, the former president, who had refused to step down. Many believe that the forthcoming Ouattara administration would be a government of national unity.