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.
Rebuilding Societies After Conflict
This guide from the 2003 National Peace Essay Contest assists teachers in increasing students' understanding of post-conflict reconstruction and ability to analyze the post-conflict reconstruction process in both historic and contemporary conflicts.
Colombia: Trip Report on Armed Conflict and Society
A Current Issues Briefing Co-sponsored by the U.S. Institute of Peace and the Washington Office on Latin America. Featured remarks from Congressman James P. McGovern (D-Massachusetts).
Healing the Holy Land: Interreligious Peacebuilding in Israel/Palestine
This publication documents faith-based efforts by Muslim, Jewish, and Christians to achieve a just peace in the Arab/Israeli conflict. The publication argues forcefully that religious leaders and interests must be engaged in the peace process in order to assure a sustainable, inclusive, and comprehensive settlement. The report includes the perspectives of clergy, lay, facilitators of inter-faith dialogue, religious educators, and participants in the historic Alexandria Summit in January 2002,...
Sudan: U.S. Supported Peace Negotiations Bearing Fruit
Examines the Sudan peace process and the continued need for U.S. engagement in Africa.
Unfinished Business in Afghanistan: Warlordism, Reconstruction, and Ethnic Harmony
Summary In comparison to the quick and successful U.S. military campaign to oust the Taliban, the political task of creating a stable and secure democratic state in Afghanistan is proving much more difficult. There are some hopeful signs since January 2003 with sections of President Hamid Karzai's government apparatus becoming more functional. But the central government continues to be severely hampered in the absence of adequate funds, security structures, and infrastructure.
Establishing the Rule of Law in Iraq
Summary In Iraq, the immediate post-war period is likely to be difficult, confusing, and dangerous. Based on the experience of previous peace operations, the U.S.-led coalition's most important objective should be establishing the rule of law. The Fourth Geneva Convention makes this an obligation for the U.S. military administration. It will also be necessary to ensure that post-conflict reconciliation and reconstruction go forward successfully. Saddam Hussein exercised power in Ira...
The Balkans: From War to Peace, From American to European Leadership
Congressional Testimony by Dan Serwer, director of the Balkans Initiative.
Prime Time Crime: The Media and the Balkan Wars
Did the media play an active role in the creation of Yugoslav dictator Slobodan Milosevic and fan the flames of ethnic hatred that plunged the Balkans into a decade of bloody ethnic conflict? How can the international community foster independent media voices in situations of ethnic and religious conflict?
The Role of Faith in Promoting Peace in the Middle East
A Special Workshop Sponsored by the Faith and Politics Institute and the United States Institute of Peace.
Can Faith-Based NGOs Advance Interfaith Reconciliation? The Case of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Summary Reconciliation can be an immense challenge in the pursuit of sustainable peace. Progress toward postconflict reconciliation is being made in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as evidenced by some previously unthinkable recent events. Some early initiatives toward promoting interfaith reconciliation undertaken by international actors were not well conceived and proved counterproductive.