Updated: July 23, 2008

The United States Institute of Peace is an independent, nonpartisan institution established and funded by Congress. Its goals are to help prevent and resolve violent international conflicts, promote post-conflict stability and development, and increase conflict management capacity, tools, and intellectual capital worldwide.

The Institute does this by empowering others with knowledge, skills, and resources, as well as by directly engaging in peacebuilding efforts around the globe.
 Learn more in this video.

    Afghanistan: Killing Friends, Making Enemies

Largely due to a dramatic increase in the use of air power, civilian casualties in Afghanistan have spiked recently. This USIPeace Briefing discusses this enormous problem.

 Learn more

Zimbabwe's Electoral Violence

What are the national, regional and international consequences of recent electoral violence in Zimbabwe? What triggered the outbreak?
 Read more from Senior Research Associate Dorina Bekoe

Liberia: Promoting Rule of Law

To assist Liberia's recovery after a 14 year civil war, USIP has led an unique program based on both formal institutions and local practices of justice.
 Read more and view photos

Online Certificate Course in Interfaith Conflict Resolution

This new course focuses on objectives, methods and best practices of interfaith dialogue.
 Read more and take the course

 Learn more about the Institute's work in this video.  Learn more about the Institute's work in Progress in Peacebuilding.  Read a National Journal article about USIP.

   USIP Headquarters Project

Learn about this extraordinary building being constructed in Washington, D.C.

Find out more
Public Education Center

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Practitioner Toolkit

Education and Training Center

One of the Institute's congressional mandates is to "serve the people and the government through the widest possible range of education and training...to promote international peace and the resolution of conflicts..." The Education and Training Center's mission is to help fulfill this mandate.

Around the Globe

Read interviews with USIP experts in On the Issues and get a first-hand look at their work in "hot zones" in In the Field.

National Peace Essay Contest

The winners of the 2007-2008 contest have been announced. Next year's topic is "Confronting Crimes Against Humanity."

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Upcoming Public Events

The Future of the U.S. Military Presence in Iraq
July 25, 2008 | Public Event

Thwarting Afghanistan's Insurgency: A Pragmatic Approach to Peace and Reconciliation
July 29, 2008 | Public Event

Latest Publications

Killing Friends, Making Enemies: The Impact and Avoidance of Civilian Casualties in Afghanistan
USIPeace Briefing

Integrated Security Assistance: The 1207 Program
Special Report

Opposition Alliances and Democratization in Egypt
USIPeace Briefing

Colombia's Crossroads: The FARC and the Future of the Hostages
USIPeace Briefing

Making Bosnia Work: Why EU Accession is Not Enough
USIPeace Briefing