Publications
Articles, publications, books, tools and multimedia features from the U.S. Institute of Peace provide the latest news, analysis, research findings, practitioner guides and reports, all related to the conflict zones and issues that are at the center of the Institute’s work to prevent and reduce violent conflict.
![Pakistan Election Victory for Sharif May Spur Change, Experts Say](https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/styles/summary_image/public/20130510-PAKISTAN_KIDNAPPING_3-article.jpg?itok=myz2G16T)
Pakistan Election Victory for Sharif May Spur Change, Experts Say
USIP’s Andrew Wilder and Moeed Yusuf and other experts say broad support for the prime minister, combined with local wins by key opponents, might generate the right combination to force tough decisions that could move Pakistan forward.
![USIP Experts Comment on Pakistan Elections](https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/styles/summary_image/public/201305-14PAKISTAN_UNREST_1-event_0.jpg?itok=sWzBuKrC)
USIP Experts Comment on Pakistan Elections
Andrew Wilder and Moeed Yusuf assess the turnout and results of the first Pakistan election in which a civilian government recognized as democratically elected completed a full term and will hand over to another democratically elected civilian administration.
![A New Approach to Understanding Afghanistan's Transition](https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/styles/summary_image/public/PW87-cover.jpg?itok=46U14IhR)
A New Approach to Understanding Afghanistan's Transition
When it is compared with other countries that have undergone transition, Afghanistan is revealed to be stronger than many on economic performance but weaker than the norm for governance and rule of law. If its strengths are supported and weak areas are targeted for improvement, the country will improve its prospects for a successful transition, say the authors of this new report.
![Tunisian Debate Over Islam, Rights in Constitution Illustrated at USIP Event](https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/styles/summary_image/public/20130514-TunisiaDebateOverIslam-event.jpg?itok=C3ZBNDw-)
Tunisian Debate Over Islam, Rights in Constitution Illustrated at USIP Event
A deputy in Tunisia’s National Constituent Assembly takes on criticisms from Human Rights Watch as the country considers a third draft of its constitution.
![Understanding Pakistan's Water-Security Nexus](https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/styles/summary_image/public/PW88-cover_0.jpg?itok=q3fbrorA)
Understanding Pakistan's Water-Security Nexus
Pakistan faces unprecedented stresses on its water resources from inequitable distribution, population growth, urbanization, and shifts in production and consumption patterns, and these water problems exacerbate local tensions. Solutions to Pakistan’s water crisis must focus on addressing unsustainable practices and gross mismanagement, say the authors of this new report.
![Midterm Challenges in Nigeria](https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/styles/summary_image/public/SR334-cover.jpg?itok=OXbXw0an)
Midterm Challenges in Nigeria
At the midpoint between presidential elections in Nigeria, the country’s leaders need to take stock of the conflict resolution mechanisms in place to deal with the political divide between north and south, Muslim and Christian, and to prevent electoral violence in 2015. Depending on how it contributes to regional balance, power sharing, and perceptions of fair play, the coming phase of party coalition building may well determine future national stability.
![Armed Groups Maintaining Law and Order](https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/styles/summary_image/public/PB-146.jpg?itok=HzwU4l0P)
Armed Groups Maintaining Law and Order
What should the relationship between governments and the international community be with armed groups, and how might that connection be managed responsibly? USIP Senior Fellow Bruce Oswald explores the matter and the challenges involved.
![What do Pakistan’s Vigorous Campaigns and Electoral Violence Mean for Unity Afterwards?](https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/styles/summary_image/public/20130510-PAKISTAN_KIDNAPPING_3-article_0.jpg?itok=MFcG21yo)
What do Pakistan’s Vigorous Campaigns and Electoral Violence Mean for Unity Afterwards?
USIP’s Nadia Naviwala highlights the mood among the parties and the public on the eve of the May 11 vote.
![Clean Hands in Peacekeeping: The U.N. Needs to Do More](https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/styles/summary_image/public/un-flags-2.jpg?itok=QN5etBR7)
Clean Hands in Peacekeeping: The U.N. Needs to Do More
In the wake of a United Nations report on atrocities committed at the end of last year by Congolese government soldiers and M23 rebels, USIP Jennings Randolph fellow Carla Ferstman sees a disconnect between the U.N.’s human rights standards for host government forces and those set for militaries that participate in its own peacekeeping contingents.
![Liberia Pursues U.S. Investment to Tackle 'Colossal' Agriculture, Energy Needs](https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/styles/summary_image/public/20130509-Liberian-Agriculture-USAID-newsfeature-new.jpg?itok=GhVrvkms)
Liberia Pursues U.S. Investment to Tackle 'Colossal' Agriculture, Energy Needs
Liberian Minister of Foreign Affairs Augustine Ngafuan and U.S. Undersecretary of State Wendy Sherman led inaugural talks at USIP that sought cooperation to further reduce hunger and develop the agriculture and power sectors in the African nation.