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’s Militant, Nuclear Threats Mask Underlying Risk: Water
Pakistan’s water supply per capita amounts to less than half that available to the average American. Serious water shortfalls have the potential to generate conflicts within Pakistan, as well as exacerbate regional tension.
Natural Disasters as Threats to Peace
As natural disasters and extreme environmental events increase in severity, it is time to consider how vulnerabilities brought on by population growth, urbanization, economic fragility, and climate change could lead to deadly conflict. This new report argues that policymakers should look beyond the familiar, more imminent threats and make plans to deal with the natural security implications of less likely but higher impact scenarios.
Empowering the Pakistan Police
In Pakistan’s struggle against violent extremism, Pakistan police officers have sacrificed their lives to save the lives of those around them. Heroic acts by the police have occurred in Peshawar, Quetta and Karachi, the cities impacted most by the spread of terrorism from the tribal areas bordering Afghanistan. In Pakistan’s cities, police are responsible for confronting the threat from extremists groups.
Justice in Côte d’Ivoire
In the brief, Tobias Koepf reports on research he is conducting on the post-conflict reconciliation process in Côte d’Ivoire.
U.N. Special Representative Calls for Greater Steps to End `Scourge’ of Sexual Violence in War
Speaking at a major conference held at USIP, former Sierra Leone policymaker and diplomat Zainab Hawa Bangura appealed for greater political will, public determination, and improved technical capacity to prevent and prosecute the “vile crime.” The effects of continued impunity devastate survivors and weaken a society’s ability to recover from war.
USIP, ROA Hold Forum on “Training for War and Fragile Peace”
The U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) and the Reserve Officers Association held a joint program on Capitol Hill on February 12 to explore new education and training approaches to help U.S. troops better prepare for complex missions in fragile and conflict states.
South Sudan: Undemocratic Tendencies on the Rise
South Sudan may be the world’s newest country, but its five-decade struggle for freedom, peace, and independence from Sudan won wide international support and led to formal statehood on July 9, 2011. Though long-term hopes for a successful democracy remain high and the young government in Juba enjoys significant U.S. and international support, South Sudan’s initial period as a nation-state has included some troubling signs of heavy-handed, undemocratic actions.
Sudan: Economic Pressures Building
USIP’s continuing series on “sleeper risks” examines how Sudan’s economic crisis may be the single most important factor in the country’s overall trajectory this year, and could very well tear the country apart.
North Korea Conducts Nuclear Blast
North Korea on February 12 conducted a third nuclear test blast, drawing immediate global condemnation. USIP has several recent resources discussing the North's proliferation activities.
Egypt’s 2012 Constitution
Dr. Holger Albrecht is an assistant professor of political science at the American University in Cairo and Jennings Randolph senior fellow (2012-2013). His main research focus is on political opposition in the authoritarian regimes, transition to democracy, and civil-military relations in the Middle East and North Africa. His new book, “Raging Against the Machine: Political Opposition under Authoritarianism in Egypt,” is forthcoming with Syracuse University Press.