As a national, nonpartisan, independent Institute, the U.S. Institute of Peace draws on our exceptional convening power to create opportunities for diverse audiences to exchange knowledge, experiences, and ideas necessary for creative solutions to difficult challenges. We serve as an important, neutral platform for bringing together government and nongovernment, diplomacy, security, and development actors, and participants across political views. The Institute’s events help shape public policy and priorities to advance peaceful solutions to conflict and strengthen international security.
On February 29, 2012, the United States Institute of Peace and the Institute for the Study of War co-hosted a panel of distinguished experts who discussed the history of the Iraqi police and the U.S. police assistance program in Iraq. Read the event coverage, Policing Iraq
Israeli-Palestinian talks are at a standstill and Fatah-Hamas reconciliation moves raise new questions about the direction of the conflict and the continuation of Western aid. Meanwhile, religiously-motivated attacks in Israel and the Palestinian Territories are on the rise. Given the current low expectations for Israeli-Palestinian political negotiations, what is the role of religious leaders in preventing incitement and promoting peace? What has been achieved, and what are the current chall...
On February 27 USIP hosted Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Andrew Shapiro for a public event. Mr. Shapiro discussed U.S. programs to build global peacekeeping capacity, and the way these efforts help advance U.S. national security. Read the event coverage, State’s Shapiro, at USIP, Outlines U.S. Policy on Peacekeeping
In an era in which religion is resurgent, the recently released book, “Interfaith Just Peacemaking” -- a collection of essays by 27 Jewish, Muslim and Christian scholars and religious leaders -- provides timely new insight into religious resources for building fair and sustainable political, economic and social systems.
The United States Institute of Peace brought together a diverse group of speakers to discuss the roles of the international community, particularly the United Nations and regional institutions in the peace processes in Latin America.
The Embassy of Finland and USIP hosted a panel discussion titled "Women, Peace, and Security in Afghanistan: Prospects on the Way Forward." The discussion offered a timely follow-up to the International Afghanistan Conference held in Bonn in December 2011. The panelists representing the governments of Afghanistan, Finland and the United States, as well as Afghan civil society examined ways to better ensure an active role for women in the current peace processes and reconstruction efforts.
On Feb 16, 2012, Ambassador William B. Taylor, special coordinator for Middle East Transitions at the U.S. Department of State and Ellen Laipson, President and CEO of the Stimson Center met for the second in a series of breakfast briefings organized by the United States Institute of Peace in partnership with the Defense Education Forum of the Reserve Officers Association. Read the event coverage, Challenges of Reconstruction after Arab Uprisings Discussed at USIP-ROA Briefing
The Haitian court’s decision not to prosecute Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier for human rights violations and crimes against humanity has refocused international attention on the problem of justice in Haiti. At every level, courts are dysfunctional and corruption endemic. Street crime, drug trafficking, rape and gang violence persist despite Haiti’s overcrowded prisons. Impunity remains a major obstacle to Haiti’s recovery. On February 15, 2012, USIP hosted a public event to discuss justice...
On February 15, USIP hosted Ambassador Sherry Rehman, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan’s Ambassador to the U.S., for a conversation on Pakistan and the Pakistan-U.S. relationship. This discussion, Ambassador Rehman’s first public speaking engagement to a Washington policy audience since her arrival in Washington, also marked the first time a Pakistani official has spoken publicly in Washington since the November NATO airstrike on a Pakistani border post that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers. ...
Rebuilding economies after protracted chaos or violent conflict requires careful thought and political courage. By creating dynamic and inclusive growth, reconstruction zones could help countries stand on their own feet, consolidate peace, and overcome the unsustainable aid dependency to which they have grown accustomed. This event examined the validity of this approach, using Afghanistan and Pakistan as case studies.