Updated: December 1, 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.

Lessons from Colombia’s Reintegration        Program for Demobilized Paramilitaries An effort began in 2003 to disarm, demobilize and reintegrate the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia, a paramilitary grouping. In this new special report, former USIP Senior Program Officer Jonathan Morgenstein explores lessons from this initiative -- including blanket amnesty programs; an impartial justice mechanism; and education, health and other benefits for former combatants. |  Learn more

Identity, Diversity, and Constitutionalism in Africa

Former fellow Francis Deng outlines a new relationship between governments and societies—a relationship informed by Western concepts but based on traditional African values such as respect for human dignity, equality, and self-rule. |  Learn more

Introduction to Post-Conflict Strategies and Operations

Introduction to Post-Conflict Strategies and Operations, from January 12 to March 16, will be the next course offered in USIP’s new conflict management education and training program. This “hands on” course for future managers provides students with a framework for organizing and implementing post-conflict peace and stability operations. |  Learn more

USIP Supports Peace Through Commerce

USIP’s Center for Sustainable Economies supported the 2008 "Peace Through Commerce" conference convened by George Washington University’s Institute for Corporate Responsibility November 13-15. The event aimed to illuminate the contribution that commerce, trade, and economic development make toward building sustainable peace. |  Learn more

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.