On August 15th, Institute President Richard H. Solomon announced that Patrick M. Cronin, director of the Institute's Research and Studies Program, will be leaving the Institute to join the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) as the new Assistant Administrator for Policy and Program Coordination. William M. Drennan will serve as acting director when Cronin leaves for USAID in September.

Cronin, who has led the Institute's Research and Studies Program since 1998, played a key role over the past several years in developing and implementing several major research initiatives and special projects -- including the 2001 conference Passing the Baton. A leading specialist on Asia-Pacific security, Cronin managed Institute research activities examining coercive diplomacy, cross-cultural negotiation, political violence and terrorism, integrated civilian-military planning, and human rights. Prior to joining the Institute, Cronin served as director of research for the Institute for National Strategic Studies at the National Defense University. He was confirmed by the Senate as the Assistant Administrator for Policy and Program Coordination at USAID earlier this month.

The United States Institute of Peace is mandated by Congress to strengthen the nation's capabilities to promote the peaceful resolution of international conflict. The Research and Studies Program serves as an active bridge between academia and the policy community. Through small working groups, public meetings, and written products, the Research and Studies Program performs a full range of policy-support activities, including convening foreign policy formulators, practitioners and regional experts to assess and discuss policy options for dealing with international conflicts.

The United States Institute of Peace is an independent, nonpartisan, federal institution, established by Congress to strengthen America's capabilities for managing and resolving international conflicts without resort to military action. Through its education, research, training, and other programs, the Institute provides a resource base for policymakers, researchers, and the public to address the challenges to international peace and stability found in today's world.

UNITED STATES INSTITUTE OF PEACE

Chairman of the Board: Chester A. Crocker

Vice Chairman: Seymour Martin Lipset

President: Richard H. Solomon

Executive Vice President: Harriet Hentges

Vice President: Charles Nelson