Faith-based schools—Madaris and missionary schools—play an important educational role in many of the world's most populous countries. A number of those countries suffer from political instability and violent conflict. As communities and governments work to balance traditional identity with modernization, what is the role of religious education in promoting conflict or tolerance?

In particular, what is the relationship between religious education and conflict or peace between Muslims and non-Muslims? What can we learn from different styles of religious education? Three recipients of USIP grants explored these and other questions based on their field work in Indonesia, Pakistan and the Philippines.

Speakers

  • Saleem Ali, University of Vermont
  • Jeffrey Milligan, Florida State University
  • John Raines, Temple University
  • Christine Fair, U.S. Institute of Peace, Discussant
  • Taylor Seybolt, U.S. Institute of Peace, Moderator

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Latest Publications

Putting Data Around Intergroup Violence and Sorcery Accusation–Related Violence in Papua New Guinea

Putting Data Around Intergroup Violence and Sorcery Accusation–Related Violence in Papua New Guinea

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

This discussion paper provides analysis of newspaper reports from Papua New Guinea around two different but interconnected forms of violence: intergroup violence and sorcery accusation–related violence. The authors conclude that both types of violence are fueled by money, politics, the widespread availability of guns and the normalization of violence, the erosion of traditional and local forms of leadership and regulation, and public service delivery failures.

Type: Discussion Paper

Conflict Analysis & Prevention

Dean Cheng on China’s Expanding Space Capabilities

Dean Cheng on China’s Expanding Space Capabilities

Monday, July 1, 2024

China’s successful trip to the far side of the moon — the first nation to accomplish the feat — is not only “great advertising” for potential technology partnerships, it’s “part of the larger Chinese space effort” that seeks to expand China’s own dual-use capabilities in space, says USIP’s Dean Cheng.

Type: Podcast

China in Peru: The Unspoken Costs of an Unequal Relationship

China in Peru: The Unspoken Costs of an Unequal Relationship

Monday, July 1, 2024

China’s political and economic influence in Latin America has increased dramatically since the turn of the century. This is especially true in resource-rich countries like Peru, where China has channeled billions of dollars of investment into the oil and mining sectors. This report takes a critical look at the narrative that closer engagement with China is the key to Peru’s future economic development and prosperity, and suggests ways that US agencies, corporations, and NGOs can support Peruvians’ efforts to create a more equitable balance in their country’s relationship with China.

Type: Special Report

Global Policy

Kenya’s Crisis Shows the Urgency of African Poverty, Corruption, Debt

Kenya’s Crisis Shows the Urgency of African Poverty, Corruption, Debt

Thursday, June 27, 2024

Kenya’s public protests and deadly violence over proposed tax increases this week highlight some of the country’s most serious challenges: high youth unemployment, deepening poverty and the glaring gap between living conditions for the country’s elite and its urban poor. This social crisis is exacerbated by severe corruption, a stifling foreign debt and a too-violent response by Kenyan police, who have a poor record in handling large demonstrations. Steps to calm this crisis are vital to preserve Kenya’s overall stability, its role as an East African trade hub — and its capacity to serve as a leader for peace, which the United States increasing has relied upon in Africa and elsewhere.

Type: Analysis

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Toward a Durable India-Pakistan Peace: A Roadmap through Trade

Toward a Durable India-Pakistan Peace: A Roadmap through Trade

Thursday, June 27, 2024

Despite a three-year long cease-fire along their contested border, trade and civil society engagement between India and Pakistan has dwindled, exacerbating the fragility of their relationship. With recently re-elected governments now in place in both countries, there is a window of opportunity to rekindle trade to bolster their fragile peace, support economic stability in Pakistan, create large markets and high-quality jobs on both sides, and open doors for diplomatic engagement that could eventually lead to progress on more contentious issues.

Type: Analysis

Economics

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