Question And Answer
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.
Afghanistan Land Conflicts Pit Nomads Against Villagers, Power Brokers Against Each Other
Beneath the ongoing war between the NATO-backed Afghan government forces and the Taliban, a whole other set of conflicts sizzles and occasionally bursts into flame. The often-fierce disputes boil down to one thing – the land under their feet.
Perceptions of Politically Engaged, Influential Afghans on the Way Forward
A survey of influential Afghan citizens finds most believe that continued international engagement and a transparent 2014 election process are critical to their country’s stability. Most want to end the two-decade war through a negotiated political process that includes reconciliation with the Taliban, though they are divided on how much to give in exchange for a peaceful settlement.
USIP Prevention Newsletter - March 2013
The March 2013 Prevention Newsletter features a Q&A with USIP President Jim Marshall on the importance of preventive action and highlights the role of regional integration as a tool for preventive action.
Pakistan and the Narratives of Extremism
Violent extremist organizations in Pakistan have effectively drawn on existing narratives about Pakistan’s history and identity in promoting their own worldviews. An effective communications strategy to counter extremism likewise needs to engage existing narratives, as well as engaging youth and others who are already challenging extremist views.
Conflict Analysis
Conflict Analysis: Understanding Causes, Unlocking Solutions is a guide for practitioners seeking to prevent deadly conflict or mitigate political instability. This handbook integrates theory and practice and emphasizes the importance of analyzing the causes of peace as well as the causes of conflict. It stresses that conflict analysis is a social as well as an intellectual process, helping practitioners translate analysis into effective action.
Toward a European Institute of Peace
This Peace Brief follows a series of interviews conducted with senior EU officials and civil society representatives on the role of the European External Action Service in conflict prevention, and the author’s participation in consultations on the feasibility of a European Institute of Peace.
Justifying the Means
Despite problems with past elections, upcoming elections in Afghanistan can facilitate its political transition, conclude the authors of a new study of Afghan public opinion. But to be helpful, the 2014 elections must include participation of as many key leaders and groups as possible, be tied to broader processes of political change, and symbolize a break with the pre-2001 past.
Iraq’s Budget as a Source of Political Stability
Recognizing the importance of a transparent budget process for societies in postconflict transition, the Coalition Provisional Authority outlined a process that continues to guide federal budgeting in Iraq, according to this new report. However, a focus on the rate of investment spending as a measure of success exacerbated problems with corruption and accountability.
The Security Sector in Yemen
This Peace Brief is based on the author’s three-week research mission to Yemen in January 2013. Holger Albrecht is 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.
Where Is the Lone Ranger? Second Edition
Where Is the Lone Ranger? Second Edition examines the evolution of U.S. policy toward peace and stability operations through the prism of U.S. experiences with police and constabulary forces in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan.