Menu

United States Institute of Peace

Introduction to Peacebuilding: Micro-Course

Print the Page

This micro-course provides an overview of the main concepts and challenges that shape the work in the peacebuilding field. It exposes learners to the various tools and types of interventions utilized in the field and provides real-world examples that demonstrate the complex nature of peacebuilding.

UNAMID Head of Office in Sector North, Hassan Gibril, salutes (right) king Yassir, the head of Al-Berti tribe, in his palace in Mellit, Norh Darfur. (Flickr/UNAMID)
UNAMID Head of Office in Sector North, Hassan Gibril, salutes (right) king Yassir, the head of Al-Berti tribe, in his palace in Mellit, Norh Darfur. (Flickr/UNAMID)

Course Overview

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Define the three main concepts of peacebuilding: peace, conflict, and violence.
  • Identify key peacebuilding priorities.
  • Describe how context and perspective influence the peacebuilding process.
  • Identify the different tools, types of interventions, and strategies for building peace.
  • Recognize that we all have the potential to be peacebuilders.

Overview Video

Click on the video below for an overview of the course.

If you cannot view the video, click here.

 

Agenda

Section 1 - Introduction

Introduces the importance of peacebuilding through real-world stories and asks the learner to reflect on their prior knowledge.

Section 2 - Pillars

Defines the main concepts and priorities of peacebuilding and discusses who can be a peacebuilder.

Section 3 - Tools

Introduces the primary tools and approaches to peacebuilding, and discusses with learners how their work fits into the spectrum of tools or approaches that contribute to peacebuilding efforts.

Section 4 - Application

Explores key themes from the course in further analysis of a case study while also continuing to reflect on how learners might incorporate a peacebuilding lens into their own work or other conflicts.

Section 5 - Conclusion

Provides a space for self-reflection and tests retention while earning a certificate.

Course Instructors and Guest Experts

Course Instructors

Guest Experts

  • Pamela Aall, Senior Advisor, U.S. Institute of Peace
  • Jeffrey Helsing, Peacebuilding Consultant & former Associate Vice President, U.S. Institute of Peace
  • Illana Lancaster, Senior Program Officer, U.S. Institute of Peace
  • Nancy Lindborg, former President and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace
  • Alison Milofsky, Director, U.S. Institute of Peace
  • Matthew Levinger, Director, National Security Studies Program; Program Director, Master of International Policy and Practice; George Washington University

Related Publications

What’s Next for Israel, Iran and Prospects for a Wider Middle East War?

What’s Next for Israel, Iran and Prospects for a Wider Middle East War?

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

By: Garrett Nada;  Robert Barron

Early Saturday morning in Tehran, Israel carried out what it called a series of “precise and targeted” airstrikes on Iranian military targets. This was the latest in a series of direct exchanges between Isarel and Iran in recent months. Israel Defense Forces struck 20 sites, including air defense batteries and radar, factories for missile and drone production, and weapons and aircraft launch sites. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the attack had "severely damaged Iran’s defense capability and its ability to produce missiles.” The Iranian government announced the deaths of four military personnel and one civilian, but otherwise took a more measured response than might be expected.

Type: Question and Answer

Conflict Analysis & Prevention

China Responds to Taiwan’s Plea for Cross-Strait Peace with Military Pressure

China Responds to Taiwan’s Plea for Cross-Strait Peace with Military Pressure

Thursday, October 24, 2024

By: Naiyu Kuo;  Dan Spinelli;  Jennifer Staats, Ph.D.

In his first National Day speech as Taiwan’s president, William Lai Ching-te called for regional peace while reaffirming that China and Taiwan “are not subordinate to each other.” Though Lai’s October 10 address was more restrained than past remarks, it was attacked by China’s state media as “highly provocative.” Days later, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) encircled Taiwan with record numbers of military aircraft and warships during a series of military “drills.”

Type: Question and Answer

Conflict Analysis & Prevention

The Future of the Security Sector in Ukraine

The Future of the Security Sector in Ukraine

Thursday, October 17, 2024

By: Lauren Baillie;  Ena Dion;  Philippe Leroux-Martin;  Ian Platz;  Ambassador William B. Taylor;  Calin Trenkov-Wermuth, Ph.D.

The aim of this report is to present practical options for advancing Ukraine’s security sector capabilities to consolidate peace and stability as the country transitions from war to peace; the United States Institute of Peace does not take specific policy positions or advocate for specific forms of assistance. Although winning the war rightly remains Ukraine’s highest priority, this report focuses on the security sector issues at the heart of the country’s ability to win the peace. These include tackling corruption; holding the perpetrators of war crimes accountable; integrating veterans into society; and strengthening civilian security.

Type: Report

Conflict Analysis & Prevention;  Justice, Security & Rule of Law

A Year After October 7, the Middle East Crisis Has No End in Sight

A Year After October 7, the Middle East Crisis Has No End in Sight

Thursday, October 10, 2024

By: Robert Barron;  Caroline Dibble;  Lucy Kurtzer-Ellenbogen

The grim anniversary of Hamas’ October 7 attacks on Israel and the ensuing war brought little respite for memorialization and healing from the enormity of loss with which Israeli and Palestinian societies have been grappling. More than 100 of the over 250 Israeli and foreign hostages abducted that day into Gaza are estimated to remain in captivity, with only 64 presumed still alive; upward of 42,000 Gazans have been killed in the ongoing war, most of the enclave’s population has been repeatedly displaced, and damage and humanitarian devastation is widespread. A multi-front war that has simmered since that day is now poised to boil over with catastrophic potential for the region.

Type: Question and Answer

Conflict Analysis & Prevention

View All Publications