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.
Engaging Religion and Religious Actors in Countering Violent Extremism
By more fully understanding the role of religion in violent extremism and adopting a broad-based and inclusive approach to engaging religious actors, policymakers and practitioners can better advance countering violent extremism objectives. In this report, a former senior policy adviser and a USIP senior specialist explore the nexus of religion and violent extremism.
How Putin Turned Religion’s ‘Sharp Power’ Against Ukraine
Long before Russia positioned military forces along Ukraine’s border or menaced its neighbor with cyber-attacks and economic pressure, Moscow deployed another, under-appreciated weapon increasingly used by rising global powers: the transformation of religious soft power into what is known among some scholars of authoritarianism as “sharp power.”
The Role of Religion in Russia’s War on Ukraine
On March 6, Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill stood to deliver the sermon that traditionally ushers in the beginning of the Orthodox Lent. However, the most notable theme of his sermon had little to do with the annual period of Christian fasting. Instead, the patriarch chose to address a subject at the forefront of everyone’s minds: the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Susan Stigant on Sudan’s Civil War and Deepening Humanitarian Crisis
More than a year into Sudan’s civil war, the country is facing the “the world’s worst humanitarian crisis” as international aid struggles to find its way to those in need, says USIP’s Susan Stigant: “At this point, unfortunately, all of the efforts collectively are not meeting the needs” of Sudanese citizens.
How to Break the Cycle of Weak Elections in Haiti
Haiti’s new Presidential Transition Council and the prime minister have a lot to do as they try to take back the country’s security from armed gangs while addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis. They must also focus on leading the country to elections mandated to take place by February 2026. Given the weak and controversial elections Haiti has endured in recent cycles, the new government and its international supporters will need to focus on creating conditions for a viable election that will crown the upcoming period of social and political restoration.
Comment Rompre le Cycle des Élections Faibles en Haïti
Le nouveau Conseil de Transition Présidentielle d’Haïti et le Premier ministre ont beaucoup à faire alors qu’ils tentent de reprendre la sécurité du pays des gangs armés tout en répondant à la crise humanitaire en cours. Ils doivent également se concentrer sur la conduite du pays vers des élections devant avoir lieu d'ici février 2026. Étant donné les élections faibles et controversées que Haïti a endurées lors des cycles récents, le nouveau gouvernement et ses soutiens internationaux devront se concentrer sur la création de conditions pour une élection viable qui marquera la période à venir de restauration sociale et politique.