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.
Religion in World Affairs: Its Role in Conflict and Peace
In recent decades, religion has assumed unusual prominence in global affairs. The horrendous events of 9/11, the conflagration in Iraq, and the aggressive assertiveness of quasi-theocratic Iran only confirm in the popular mind that religion lies behind much of contemporary international conflic
Elections in the DRC: The Bemba Surprise
The surprising results of the 2006 elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo reveal the fractious nature of national politics as the country struggles to maintain peace.
On the Issues: Kenya
Dorina Bekoe and Jacki Wilson discuss the renewed violence in Kenya, sparked by a flawed electoral process.
On the Issues: Colombia
Image on right: In Bogota's main square, relatives and friends of kidnapped people by the FARC march to demand the release of all the hostages. (AP Photo) In January 2008, two Colombian hostages who had been held by the FARC guerilla group were freed in an agreement brokered by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. However, more than 700 hostages remain, including former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt and three U.S. citizens. Ginny Bouvier is a senior program officer in USIP’s Gran...
On the Issues: Afghanistan/Pakistan
J Alexander Thier puts into context the new strains on Afghanistan and Pakistan's relationship including the recent assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and Afghanistan's resurgent Taliban and out of control opium trade.
Higher Education and the Future of Iraq
Iraqis have traditionally valued intellectual achievement, but the legacy of Baathist rule and the current tide of instability have crippled universities. The future, however, could see institutions play a leading role in securing long-term peace.
Paper Versus Steel: Haiti’s Challenge of Constitutional Reform
Haiti has recently worked to enact the constitution of 1987. However, this document is fraught with ambiguous, perplexing, and legally cumbersome measures.
Negotiating Peace in Darfur
As the planned deployment of a hybrid African Union and UN peacekeeping force gets underway, many issues regarding Darfur remain unsolved. What are the conflict's roots? What obstacles bar resolution of the conflict? How has Sudan violated international norms in this conflict?
Iraq: Politics Unfrozen, Direction Still Unclear
How will the recent Sunni "Awakenings" against Al Qaeda translate in Iraq’s broader political milieu? Already under the siege of an insurrection, can the current Iraqi government address the pitfalls of the coming year?
Keeping an Eye on an Unruly Neighbor: Chinese Views of Economic Reform and Stability in North Korea
What is the nature of internal Chinese debate regarding North Korea? In the event of instability in the Korean peninsula, how would Beijing respond? Drawing on discussions with North Korea specialists during a Center for Strategic and International Studies-USIP delegation visit to the People's Republic of China, this report explores these and related issues.