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.
Syrian Opposition Leader Jarba Appeals for U.S. Understanding, Weapons
Syrian Opposition Coalition leader Ahmad Jarba, giving his first official address in the U.S., appealed for Americans to understand the movement's fight for "dignity," and for the Obama administration to provide the weapons rebels need to thwart the regime's barrel bombs that are "making our lives a nightmare."
Pakistan’s New Government Seeks Exit from Economic Malaise
Pakistan Finance Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar wrapped up a round of road shows for international investors recently as the country returns to the bond markets after a multi-year hiatus. During an appearance at the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) last week, he joked that he was still in sales mode as he gave an upbeat assessment of the government’s drive to strengthen the economy.
Bosnia’s Protests: What Will it Take to Spur Change?
The good news about the protests that erupted in Bosnia-Herzegovina earlier this year was that they had nothing to do with ethnicity, despite lingering divides almost two decades after a war that killed some 100,000 people. But the demonstrations may do little good without political influence to spur change.
Girls’ Education Advances Security, USIP’s Kuehnast Tells House Foreign Affairs Panel
Expanding educational opportunities for women and girls around the world advances American and international security interests and should be part of a long-term strategy to prevent violent extremism, said Kathleen Kuehnast, director of the Center for Gender and Peacebuilding at the U.S. Institute of Peace, in a hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
USIP & Afghanistan’s Political Transition
Since 2011, USIP has advocated that Afghanistan’s political transition, and the presidential election in particular, will be the most crucial factor in determining the country’s stability post-2014. USIP has conducted research, facilitated discussions, and raised awareness of this issue through publications, projects on the ground, events, and briefings for government officials on the importance of and need to support the political transition. Learn more on USIP’s Support for a Successful Afg...
Syrian Opposition Cites Reforms, Fight Against Terrorism in Pitching U.S. Aid
The Syrian opposition is seeking to persuade the Obama administration that it has made progress in reorganizing and unifying its political structure and clearing its military ranks of extremist fighters and now deserves more intensive American assistance.
'Women of Courage' Awardees Challenge Social Norms Head On
Roshika Deo’s announcement that she would run in her country’s first election since a military coup eight years ago drew vicious condemnation on social media – racist and homophobic comments, threats of rape. Her story hails from the South Pacific island nation of Fiji, but it reflects the kinds of attacks, verbal and physical, also faced by her fellow recipients of the U.S. State Department’s International Women of Courage Awards this year.
Election Prospects Give Afghanistan a Shot at Future Beyond 2014
James Dobbins, the U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, touted televised debates of presidential candidates, millions of new voters registered legitimately, and other visible signs to argue that Afghanistan has a chance at scoring the country’s first peaceful and democratic transfer of presidential power next month.
Pakistan’s Tumultuous Media May Play Surprising Role
Pakistan’s media are changing as rapidly – and with as much volatility – as the rest of the country, and the debate over whether its role has been helpful or destructive to the nation’s emerging democracy can be equally vociferous. Two recent research projects examined elements of that question and largely found that the media may be more constructive than most observers think.
Libya’s Passions, Perils in Full View
The passions that drive Libya's post-revolutionary transition are apparent everywhere in the capital Tripoli, not least in its vibrant graffiti. And there are other tell-tale signs – the skeletons of destroyed vehicles on Tripoli's Mediterranean beaches – of the revolution against four-decade dictator Moammar Gadhafi and the transition that may take generations to gel. Powerful messages convey the issues Libyans are grappling with, their pride in their achievements, their anger at the ousted regime, and their worries about the future.