Advancing Peacebuilding through Inclusive Governance and Human Rights Research
This Request for Applications (RfA) seeks research that develops innovative methods to improve peacebuilding practice through the study and application of democracy and human rights training in conflict zones worldwide. Priority will be given to applications which identify the factors impacting human rights education, outreach, and practice in fostering democratic values globally and the critical role they play in preventing and resolving violent conflict. Priority will be given to proposals that draw evidence from USIP priority countries and regions, including Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, Central African Republic, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel and the Palestinian Territories, Libya, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Papau New Guinea, Philippines, Russia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Ukraine, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Yemen.
Research Questions
After decades of progress in the post-World War 2 world order, global democracy levels in the 21st century are in stark decline. Authoritarian regimes have newfound political and economic strength, buoyed by a variety of factors including widespread attacks on basic human rights, corrupt judicial systems, and the erosion of independent media sources. Given the integral role that inclusive governance plays in a peaceful society, how can peacebuilding practitioners and policymakers combat authoritarian forces and contribute to strengthening responsive governance and rule of law systems? What can be done to support public participation in social and political processes as a core foundation to peacebuilding? Which techniques and approaches work best to train civil society members on the value and application of human rights as a peacebuilding tool in conflict-prone societies? How can global peacebuilding initiatives better connect with regional and local democratization and human rights movements to better prevent and resolve violent conflict?
Applications should propose research with clear potential to generate recommendations for policymakers and peacebuilders on how to forge effective democracy and human rights education and training efforts that successfully build and sustain peace. Excellent applications will demonstrate how research findings will be drawn from rigorous analyses of evidence, especially evidence from USIP priority countries.
Application Requirements
Only registered academic institutions or nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply. Applications will be selected based on their potential to make original contributions to the field by directly addressing the listed topics above. USIP values qualitative, quantitative, and participatory research approaches.
Registration, Application Process, and Due Dates
- REGISTER: The application process begins with registration. Registration is now closed for this competition.
- APPLICATION: After completing the registration, applicants must submit an application. The deadline for submitting the application was Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at 4:00 pm ET. USIP will not be able to provide status updates on submitted applications at any time.
- REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS: Once a full application has been submitted it undergoes a rigorous review. A docket of recommended applications, including reviewers’ assessments, is reviewed by USIP’s Executive Office and Board, which makes the final decision on awards. All selected applicants will be notified in fall 2023.
Project Details
USIP seeks research from a diverse pool of applicants with project budgets between $70,000 and $100,000. Project implementation periods can range up to 24 months. For more information about rules and eligibility, please visit the USIP grants information page. Please direct questions about this RfA or usage of USIP’s online grants application system to Grantsadministration@usip.org.