WASHINGTON, DC – The United States Institute of Peace invites U.S. high school students to compete in the 2005 National Peace Essay Contest on the topic of “Transitions to Democracy.” The deadline for submitting essays is February 2, 2005.

The contest, which is open to students in all American high schools, is designed to encourage serious and realistic thinking about issues of conflict management and peacebuilding. This year students are being asked to select two countries outside the United States, one successful and one unsuccessful in making a transition to democracy. They must compare the two different cases exploring the factors that led to democratization, examining the role of democratization in contributing to sustained peace or conflict, and offering advice to the international community for future transitions. Essays should be no longer than 1,500 words.

Essays will be submitted to several rounds of critical review by many judges. Judges will consider the quality of research, level of analysis, and the style and mechanics of each essay. At the end of the judging process, 53 first-place winners will be selected from every state, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories, and an overseas school. The Institute’s Board of Directors will select three national winners from these state-level winners.

All state winners will receive a $1000 college scholarship and compete for national awards totaling $10,000, $5,000, and $2,500. In addition, the state winners will be invited to attend a five-day awards program in Washington, DC. The unique program provides an in-depth understanding of the issues related to international peacemaking by focusing on a region and/or theme related to the essay topic. The program includes a three-day simulation exercise, meetings with prominent government officials, embassy briefings, tours of historical sites, and attendance at cultural events.

More information about essay guidelines, the awards week, and past winning essays as well as the teaching guide are available online. A list of last year’s state winners is also available online.

The United States Institute of Peace is an independent, non-partisan federal organization created and funded by the U.S. Congress to promote research, education, and training on the prevention, management, and peaceful resolution of international conflicts. The National Peace Essay Contest is one of the Institute’s oldest continuing activities to promote civic education on international peace and conflict resolution.