“There is a strong commitment among millions of Africans that they want to be able to elect their leaders and to participate in a democratic process,” said Johnnie Carson, a former assistant secretary of state for the bureau of African affairs and a senior adviser at the Institute of Peace. “The march of a democracy across Africa is not uniform; it is not always smooth, linear or rapid, but it continues,” Mr. Carson said.

Water-stressed regions such as North Africa and the Middle East are in a cycle of conflict, explained Corinne Graff, a senior policy scholar at the U.S. Institute of Peace, during a talk on Aug. 29. Water shortages lead to conflict, but conflict further worsens access to clean water. “Violence destroys physical infrastructure … and public services, exacerbating drought and food insecurity,” she said. Helping fragile governments become more resilient is the only way to really solve humanitarian crises related to water, she said.

Alleging the elections were rigged, Odinga is contesting the results at the Supreme Court. The Court is required to hear the case and deliver a verdict by 1 September.

As Washington’s relations soured with Moscow, some American officials grew concerned about Mr. Manafort’s support for a candidate in Ukraine who appeared to be working counter to U.S. interests. “We didn’t see it as helpful,” said William Taylor, then U.S. ambassador to Ukraine and now executive vice president of the United States Institute of Peace, a federal body devoted the reduction of violent conflict.

William Taylor spoke to SiriusXM POTUS Ch. 124 to discuss Secretary of Defense James Mattis’ visit to Ukraine where he delivered a strong message of support on its independence day. Taylor explained the importance of continued U.S. support to Ukraine by keeping pressure on Russia, helping to arrive at diplomatic solution, and assisting Ukraine in its defense. Taylor also explained the challenges that President Poroshenko must address.

The United States Institute of Peace, a federally-funded but nonpartisan and independent organization, has just come out with a new report looking at all that could go wrong if the government in Pyongyang collapses, and how to prevent the worst.

President Trump announced a new military strategy for Afghanistan last week, promising to send more U.S. troops to train and support Afghan security forces. Guests: Stephen Biddle, professor of political science and international affairs, George Washington University;adjunct senior fellow for defense policy, Council on Foreign Relations Andrew Wilder vice president, Asia programs, U.S. Institute of Peace

What mining does occur in Afghanistan is mostly carried out on a small to medium scale, according to William Byrd, an economist at the U.S. Institute of Peace. Much of this mining is illicit and robs the Afghan government of critical revenue. “It tends to empower power brokers, politically connected people, and in some places insurgents,” Byrd, the former country manager for Afghanistan at the World Bank, told FP.