Military leaders experience conflicts firsthand, giving them a unique perspective in discussions to resolve conflict through diverse and nonviolent means. As one of America’s earliest veterans, George Washington helped lead the U.S. recovery after the War of Independence and guide the country toward a peaceful path. In doing so, Washington set an example for the countless veterans who would go on to serve the country he helped found.

Join USIP’s for this year’s “First in War, First in Peace” conversation. Named in honor of George Washington, who was famously eulogized as “first in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen,” this annual series was created to engage and learn from our miliary veterans. This year’s program will explore our military’s recent contributions in conflict and post-conflict areas and examine how stability and democracy can lead to better peace and security in a region.

Take part in the conversation on social media using the hashtag #FirstInPeaceUSIP.

The program will be immediately followed by a reception.

Speakers

Nancy Zirkin, welcoming remarks
Vice Chair, Board of Directors, U.S. Institute of Peace

Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky, introductory remarks
Executive Director, George Washington Presidential Library

Maura Hennigan
Brigadier General, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, U.S. Marine Corps

Dr. Carolyn Washington
Colonel (Retired), U.S. Army; Adjunct Professor, Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Florida State University

Keith Mines, moderator
Vice President, Latin America Program, U.S. Institute of Peace

General Registration

Media Registration

Your Information
Work Information
How did you hear about this event?

For questions about accessibility please contact EventRegistration@usip.org. Kindly provide at least three business days advance notice of need for accommodations.

Related Publications

As Taiwan Builds Resilience, Lai’s Tough Stance on China Risks Escalating Tensions

As Taiwan Builds Resilience, Lai’s Tough Stance on China Risks Escalating Tensions

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Facing a growing threat from China, Taiwan has taken several steps in recent years to strengthen its defense and deterrence capabilities. Predictably, much of this has involved traditional military initiatives, such as increased defense spending, investments in asymmetric capabilities and the extension of compulsory military service for men from four to 12 months. Elected this January, President William Lai Ching-te is continuing that work, but also stressing the role that civil society can play in preventing a war. By enhancing civil-military integration, improving preparedness across society and building overall resilience, Taiwan aims to erode Beijing's confidence in its ability to swiftly and easily seize control of the island. But to successfully deter an attack and preserve the cross-Strait status quo, leaders in Taipei must demonstrate resolve while avoiding unnecessary provocation.

Type: Analysis

Civilian-Military RelationsConflict Analysis & Prevention

Report of the Expert Study Group on NATO and Indo-Pacific Partners

Report of the Expert Study Group on NATO and Indo-Pacific Partners

Monday, February 19, 2024

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and its four partner countries in the Indo-Pacific—Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea (ROK), and New Zealand—have entered a period of increased engagement. This engagement is taking shape in the context of the war waged by the Russian Federation (Russia) against Ukraine, NATO’s growing awareness of the security challenges posed by the People’s Republic of China (China), and important structural changes in the international system, including the return of strategic competition between the United States and China and Russia. It is occurring not only in bilateral NATO-partner relations but also between NATO and these Indo-Pacific countries as a group.

Type: Report

Conflict Analysis & PreventionCivilian-Military RelationsGlobal PolicyMediation, Negotiation & Dialogue

Senior Study Group for the Sahel: Final Report and Recommendations

Senior Study Group for the Sahel: Final Report and Recommendations

Thursday, January 18, 2024

The United States has not traditionally viewed the Sahel as a region of vital interest, whether in terms of security or from an economic or business perspective. This has led to a pattern of reactive involvement shaped by the circumstances of specific events rather than proactive commitments. This pattern reveals the lack of a comprehensive strategy for the volatile Western Sahel region, which includes Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger. In April 2022, President Joe Biden announced that the US government would advance the “U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability” in coastal West Africa by prioritizing a partnership with Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, and Togo.

Type: Report

Civilian-Military RelationsDemocracy & GovernancePeace ProcessesViolent Extremism

View All Publications