U.S. Institute of Peace

Description

Established by Congress, the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) is an independent, nonpartisan institution charged with increasing the nation’s capacity to prevent, mitigate, and help resolve international conflict without violence. For over 35 years, USIP has avoided and resolved conflict by training and supporting local communities in their peacebuilding efforts.

What does it buy?

USIP supports trainers, mediators, and researchers who work in conflict zones and Washington, D.C. by providing resources, education, and analysis on conflict prevention and resolution.

Why is it important?

• USIP plays a unique national security role, acting as a catalyst for the broader U.S. Government effort to prevent violent conflict and extremism.
• Efforts are cost-effective in preventing conflict and maintaining peace. American investment builds security by preventing violence—saving both lives and money.
• USIP hosts high-level experts to tackle difficult national security priorities, including the congressionally-directed Task Force on Extremism in Fragile States, whose recommendations were a part of the Global Fragility Act.
• The Institute prioritizes:
  • Continued fieldwork to help fragile states develop the capacity to reduce and resolve violent conflicts. Current priority countries include Afghanistan, Burma, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Tunisia.
  • A sharpened focus on the destabilizing impact of regional and major power competition in fragile states, with a renewed emphasis on Russia and China.
  • Sustained field operations to reduce violence in fragile states while augmenting unofficial dialogues and analysis on areas of rising danger.

Why should Americans care?

• USIP sends specialized teams to some of the most fragile and dangerous places in the world to equip local civil society organizations and communities with the skills necessary to prevent or resolve violent conflicts before they threaten U.S. national security interests.
• USIP’s cost-effective approach helps preserve U.S. investments in post-conflict environments and hard-won military gains.

COVID-19 Impacts

• COVID-19 is exacerbating the conditions that lead to violence, making USIP’s mission to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent international conflict more important and relevant than ever.

What more could be done?

• Greater U.S. investment would allow USIP to expand work into other conflict-affected areas and increase efforts to address threats from China, North Korea, and Russia.