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.
Food Insecurity’s Impact on Conflict Merits a Closer Look
A new report from the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars illuminates the connections between conflict and food insecurity admirably, even as it recognizes that considerable work remains to be done on how food-related problems actually promote or alter conflict.
Libya’s Storm Before the Calm
Every time I hear about one more in a rash of targeted killings of influential figures across Libya, I’m disheartened by the thought that much of the instability and chaos plaguing the North African country is neither unexpected nor unique to Libya.
Libya Experts Appeal for U.S., World to Support Potential Model
Libya’s strategic role in the region and its potential as a model to demonstrate that the “Arab Spring” can spawn democracy make it critical for the U.S. and other western nations to provide the technical support the country needs, according to experts.
USIP Hosts International Gathering on Water Security and Conflict Prevention
Assuring access to water of adequate quantity and quality in the face of increasing challenges poses a growing risk of future conflicts. But in preventing any outbreak of conflict, better water management can play a vital role in building peace and cooperation, a variety of officials and specialists said at the Water Security and Conflict Prevention Summit held at the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) on September 10.
How Women Can Help Build a Culture of Peace
For many in the United States, Iraq has become synonymous with violence and insecurity. For those who are from there and those of us who have had the privilege of spending time there -- working with Iraqis and building friendships -- we know that Iraq is not defined by violence. Iraq has a proud culture and history, and the vast majority of its citizens lead peaceful lives and are trying to build a better life for their families.
U.S. Weighs Syria Response
Following allegations of chemical weapons use by the Syrian regime against the Syrian people, the U.S. is considering a military response. Steven Heydemann, special advisor for Middle East Initiatives at USIP, looks at some basic concerns and common questions that have been raised in the debate and offers his analysis. The views expressed are strictly his own
USIP Paper Calls for Sudan National Dialogue
Two of USIP’s leading thinkers on Africa issues have called for a national dialogue and reform process in Sudan—to be led by Sudanese.
Zimbabwe’s—and Mtetwa’s—Troubles Grow as Next Mugabe Term Begins
He has held power in Zimbabwe for a third of a century, and today Robert Mugabe was re-inaugurated as president of the southern African nation—the result of a recent election that was free of violence but marred by widespread voting irregularities.
Iran’s Youth Energy that Elected Rouhani Shows in Parkour, Fashion Fever
“Religiously illegal” swimwear might sound predictable coming from Iran. But what about “a refreshingly casual look for the chador” or young Iranians scaling walls for sport? These kinds of trends reflect the energy of youth in Iran, and new President Hassan Rouhani owes his election to them.
Responsibility to Protect Weighed Down by Misconceptions
To the limited extent policymakers in Washington, D.C. are familiar with the Responsibility to Protect, the principle is frequently dismissed as “a U.N. thing” or “something the Canadians came up with.” Ever since the concept was first introduced in 2001, the U.S. response has remained lukewarm, even though heads of state and government unanimously endorsed the principle at the 2005 United Nations World Summit, the U.S. among them.