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.
America's Strategic Posture
For more than eleven months this bipartisan commission of leading experts on national security, arms control, and nuclear technology met with Congressional leaders, military officers, high-level officials of several countries, arms control groups, and technical experts to assess the appropriate roles for nuclear weapons, nonproliferation programs, and missile defenses. This official edition contains a discussion of key questions and issues as well as the Commission’s findings and recommendati...
The Limits of Institutional Engineering: Lessons from Iraq
Post-conflict, post-totalitarian societies like Iraq possess many economic, political, social, and cultural characteristics that are not conducive to democratic governance. A central pillar of democracy promotion is that judicious institutional engineering--crafting new institutions and other elements outlining the democratic rules of the game--can overcome these obstacles and engender stable democracies.
The Interior Ministry's Role in Security Sector Reform
Efforts to create an effective interior ministry and a professional and community oriented police force cannot succeed unless they are part of an overall effort for security sector reform. SSR, a relatively new concept, refers to the highly political and complex task of transforming the institutions and organizations responsible for dealing with security threats to the state and its citizens.
Unfinished Business in Bosnia and Herzegovina: What Is To Be Done?
This is the first of three papers USIP will publish this month on Bosnia, each with a different analytical perspective on what is happening in Bosnia and what needs to be done there to prevent a return to violence. We do this in the hope that these papers will generate a fuller debate on options that might be pursued by the U.S. government (USG), Europe and Bosnians.
Maliki's Iraq between Two Elections
In meetings conducted in Baghdad in May 2009, senior Iraqi leaders indicated how they interpret January’s provincial election results, expressed concerns about the recent downturn in security, lamented the tremendous financial pressure the government is feeling due to the decline in oil prices, and projected their hopes for national elections slated for 30 January 2010.
What to do about Bosnia and Herzegovina?:
The policy choice in Bosnia revolves around one question: how much time does the country have? If one believes that the country is reasonably stable, that another election will produce more cooperative leaders, and that Bosnia's "EU future" is assured, then the way forward is clear: cede international leadership in Bosnia from the U.S. to the European Union.
Truth Commission: Solomon Islands
Truth Commission: Truth and Reconciliation Commission Duration: April 29, 2009 (date of inauguration); January 15, 2010 (start of operations) – 2011 (expected). Extensions by the Prime Minister are possible, but limited to one year. Charter: Truth and Reconciliation Commission Act 2008 (No. 5 of 2008) Commissioners: 5 Report: Not yet issued
Serious Gaming and Simulations – the Power and Potential for Peacebuilders – A Deep Dive Publication and Panel Discussion
The Center of Innovation for Science, Technology, and Peacebuilding has partnered with ETC/I to explore in-depth Serious Gaming and Simulations as tools for improved decision-making by peacebuilders.
2008-2009 Guidebook
The 2008-2009 National Peace Essay Contest Guidebook contains: Introduction What Do Essay Contest Winners Receive? When Is the Deadline? What Does the Institute Provide to Help Students and Teachers Participate? Who Is Eligible? Information about the Contest Coordinator How Will Your Essay Be Judged? What Are the Essay Requirements? Directions for Entering the Contest Essay Submission Checklist Sample Winning Essay from 2007 Detachable Contest Poster Download...
On the Issues: Sri Lanka
Recognizing the need to promote peace and minority rights in this conflict-ridden country, on March 23rd and 25th the Institute hosted a group of 17 young Sri Lankan professionals as part of a State Department professional exchange program in conjunction with NGO Relief International. Relief International’s Sri Lanka office selected the participants.