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.
![Taking Stock: Analytic Tools for Understanding and Designing P/CVE Programs](https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/styles/summary_image/public/2018-09/preventing-countering-violent-extremism-takingstock-cover.jpg?itok=6ipse0Ld)
Taking Stock: Analytic Tools for Understanding and Designing P/CVE Programs
This report examines the various analytic tools that have been developed to understand the causes and dynamics of radicalization and violent extremism. The report assesses the strengths and limitations of these tools in informing the design of P/CVE interventions. It considers micro- and macro-level frameworks and models, and the various contexts in which they may be relevant.
![Measuring Up: Monitoring and Evaluating P/CVE Programs](https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/styles/summary_image/public/2018-09/preventing-countering-violent-extremism-measuringup-cover.jpg?itok=ogUXKF2H)
Measuring Up: Monitoring and Evaluating P/CVE Programs
This report considers the various conceptual and practical challenges in measuring the impact and value of programs designed to prevent and counter violent extremism (P/CVE). It examines potential solutions and emphasizes the significance of efforts to assess changes in attitudes, behaviors, and relationships.
![The Intersection of China’s Commercial Interests and Nigeria’s Conflict Landscape](https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/styles/summary_image/public/2018-09/sr428-the-intersection-of-chinas-commercial-interests-and-nigerias-conflict-landscape-cover.png?itok=6zZOB1kY)
The Intersection of China’s Commercial Interests and Nigeria’s Conflict Landscape
Like Washington, Beijing has an abiding strategic interest in promoting stability and security in Nigeria—the largest economy in Africa, a major oil and gas producer, and on track to become the world’s third most populous country by 2050. Yet from the Boko Haram insurgency in its northeast to farmer-herder clashes in its Middle Belt...
![Afghanistan’s Economic Development Hinges on the Peace Process](https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/styles/summary_image/public/2018-09/20180904_afghan_telecom_1-nyt-ac.jpg?itok=GHKRpigF)
Afghanistan’s Economic Development Hinges on the Peace Process
Breaking out of Afghanistan’s current economic stagnation, rising unemployment, and poverty will only be possible if there is strong, sustained progress toward durable peace and political stability. Lowering security costs and, over time, reducing the extremely high aid dependency is the only way for the country to move toward balancing its budget books.
![Frank Aum on North Korea Negotiations](https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/styles/summary_image/public/2018-02/usip-sirius-on-peace-podcast-logo.jpg?itok=P6tKk4cz)
Frank Aum on North Korea Negotiations
Since the Singapore Summit, Washington and Pyongyang have been mired in a stalemate over the sequencing of an end of war declaration and North Korea’s disarmament. Yet, even after the cancellation of Secretary Pompeo’s visit, USIP’s Frank Aum says talks will likely continue, as both sides are invested in a successful outcome.
![Can North Korea Negotiations Get Back on Track?](https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/styles/summary_image/public/2018-08/20180827_us_nkorea_video_2-nyt-ac.jpg?itok=dWaQboBJ)
Can North Korea Negotiations Get Back on Track?
Frank Aum looks at the ramifications of the cancellation of Secretary of State Pompeo's trip to North Korea and what it could signal about U.S. policy moving forward.
![Gender Inclusive Framework and Theory](https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/styles/summary_image/public/2018-08/gender-inclusive-framework-and-theory-guide-cover.jpg?itok=tj5c8Q2r)
Gender Inclusive Framework and Theory
The Gender Inclusive Framework and Theory (GIFT) guide is an approachable and thorough tool that facilitates the integration of gender analysis into project design. Because peacebuilding work is context dependent, the GIFT puts forth three approaches to gender analysis – the Women, Peace and Security Approach; the Peaceful Masculinities Approach; and the Intersecting Identities Approach – that each illuminate the gender dynamics in a given environment to better shape peacebuilding projects.
![Johnny Walsh on Peace in Afghanistan](https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/styles/summary_image/public/2018-02/usip-sirius-on-peace-podcast-logo.jpg?itok=P6tKk4cz)
Johnny Walsh on Peace in Afghanistan
Despite the Taliban’s failure to accept the Kabul government’s offer of another cease-fire this week, Johnny Walsh says that a political solution to the Afghanistan war is the best alternative to the current military stalemate. Even absent a cease-fire, hope remains that the peace process can move forward in 2018.
![Could Iraq’s Economy Suffer Collateral Damage from Iran Sanctions?](https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/styles/summary_image/public/2018-08/20180821-iraq_kurds_deal-ac.jpg?itok=Siy2QDZ8)
Could Iraq’s Economy Suffer Collateral Damage from Iran Sanctions?
With Iraq and Iran sharing a 900-mile border and deep commercial ties, the renewal of U.S. sanctions against Tehran without doubt would be felt in Baghdad. To what degree the Iraqi economy could end up collateral damage of the sanctions, however, requires detailed analysis.
![Will the Latest Deal Bring Peace in South Sudan?](https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/styles/summary_image/public/2018-08/20180820-ssudan_hunger_2-ac.jpg?itok=tzMlnch_)
Will the Latest Deal Bring Peace in South Sudan?
On August 5, the warring parties in South Sudan signed an agreement which calls for the formation of another power-sharing government. The previous power-sharing government collapsed in July 2016, and the war has since spread throughout the country. USIP’s Aly Verjee and Payton Knopf discuss the developments that led to the deal, identify the agreement’s risks and deficiencies, and assess future prospects for the peace process.