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.
Weak Viability: The Iraqi Federal State and the Constitutional Amendment Process
How does constitutional instability contribute to the cycle of violence in Iraq? Jonathan Morrow makes recommendations for Iraq's upcoming constitutional amendment process that could help stop the current decline in the country's security situation.
Mullahs, Money, and Militias: How Iran Exerts Its Influence in the Middle East
This report focuses on Iran's interactions with groups in Lebanon, Iraq, and to a lesser extent, the Palestinian territories. The intent is to help policymakers understand the real extent of Iranian influence so that they can better motivate Iran and its allies to become more constructive actors in the Middle East.
Why We Should Still Study the Cuban Missile Crisis
Few events have been as studied and analyzed as the Cuban missile crisis. Drawing on previously undiscovered archival materials and interviews with Soviet and American veterans of the crisis, Michael Dobbs has taken a fresh look at the history of those fateful thirteen days.
Georgia's Rose Revolution: A Participant's Perspective
Why did neither protestors nor the government use force during Georgia's Rose Revolution, despite orders to do so? Author Giorgi Kandelaki provides a participant's perspective on this question and more.
Using Quantitative and Qualitative Models to Forecast Instability
To what extent can structural models detect—and forestall—conflict? How can decision-makers effectively use such paradigms?
The United Nations and Western Sahara: A Never-ending Affair
The United Nations' efforts to resolve the dispute over Western Sahara—with James Baker serving as mediator—is examined to develop lessons learned on international conflict mediation.
Morocco: Betting on a Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Morocco's truth and reconciliation commission—the first in the Arab world—provides a road map to further democratization and a positive model for social and political reforms in the rest of the Arab world.
Transitional Governance: From Bullets to Ballots
Effective transitional governance is one of the most formidable challenges facing reconstruction and stabilization missions in war-torn, failed states. How can these states secure lasting peace without institutions of governance, accountable leaders, and support of the governed?
Sudanese Universities as Sites of Social Transformation
In Sudanese universities, students and faculty have historically served as vital voices for political change and community and international engagement, but recent educational policies have severely limited their voices.
American Foreign Policy and Islamic Renewal
The single most important initiative the United States can take to combat Islamist extremism is to support "Islamic renewal," a diffuse but growing social, political, and intellectual movement whose goal is profound reform of Muslim societies and polities.