Question And Answer
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.
Liberia Pursues U.S. Investment to Tackle 'Colossal' Agriculture, Energy Needs
Liberian Minister of Foreign Affairs Augustine Ngafuan and U.S. Undersecretary of State Wendy Sherman led inaugural talks at USIP that sought cooperation to further reduce hunger and develop the agriculture and power sectors in the African nation.
Use of Terrorist ‘Dropouts’ to Boost Defections: Dangerous Business
A former Singapore intelligence analyst examines government efforts to support terrorist group defectors in campaigns to de-radicalize others. She cautions that most such “dropouts” have merely adjusted their views rather than rejecting violence outright.
'Big Data,' Text Messages Can Aid, Not Drive Conflict Prevention
New technologies can be effective tools for preventing conflicts, but they have to be part of a coordinated strategy rather than the driving factor for a prevention effort, according to findings from an examination of cases in multiple countries on three continents.
'I Have to Do It’: Vital Voices Awardees Buck Threats, Futility
"Every time I walk out of my house, I never think that I can return," said the petite activist whose diminutive frame belied the threats she's faced down as a land-rights campaigner in Cambodia. She joins a Palestinian businesswoman and a Brazilian police chief to discuss what drives them to push for change in their societies
Taking the 'Thug' Out of Security Forces: What Women Can Do
The daunting process of transforming police and other security forces after the fall of an authoritarian regime often is missing a key ingredient that would make the endeavor more effective – the perspectives and involvement of women. A new guide aims to change the dynamics.
Iraq Lessons: Will They Be Heeded?
Stuart Bowen, the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction, and experts including USIP’s Manal Omar examine lessons learned from Iraq – ranging from the continuing diffusion of responsibility across U.S. government agencies to the need to ensure the local population and its leaders have a realistic understanding of the time that rebuilding takes.
Credible Afghan Presidential Vote Hinges on Process, Politics
A U.S. official outlined the tests the Afghan government faces in cementing the first democratic change of top leadership in the country’s history, as one of Afghanistan’s most prominent civic activists described a “vibrant and active political environment” that just might help pull it off.
Egypt’s 'Jon Stewart' and Media Are Hounded by Politics, Economics
The arrest of a popular TV satirist is among the latest government measures and economic conditions that one newspaper editor says threaten to strangle the newfound independence of Egypt’s media. Lina Attalah, the chief editor of Egypt Independent briefed an audience at USIP on factors hampering freedom of expression in her country.
African Leaders Outline Roots of Stability, Economic Growth
Leaders of Sierra Leone, Senegal, Malawi and Cape Verde explain their approaches to governing to achieve stability and economic development during a discussion at USIP. The group visited Washington as part of the Obama administration’s efforts to promote examples of good governance and economic growth in Africa.
Haiti’s Election Conundrum: Fraught But Necessary?
USIP panelists say that, while elections may need to be held, as in the case of long-delayed senate and local elections, more effective pressure and support should be exerted to produce lasting, legitimate results.