Updated: November 6, 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.

Iraq's Cultural Heritage The looting of Iraq’s museums and archaeological sites is an often overlooked consequence of the 2003 invasion. Author Elizabeth Detwiler discusses the continued looting of such antiquities and measures taken to recover and protect Iraq's cultural heritage and highlights the value of international law enforcement in preventing such crimes. |  Learn more

Tools for Resolving Iraq Property Disputes

USIP’s Rule of Law program, in conjunction with the World Bank, conducted a July 2008 workshop in Amman, Jordan on addressing post-2003 housing, land and property issues in Iraq. This new web presence houses conference documents, relevant legislation and other documents. |  Read more

The U.S. Treasury Approach to State-Building Assistance

On October 29, 2008, USIP hosted a panel discussion titled "The U.S. Treasury Approach to State-Building Assistance." The event — held to spotlight a new USIP Special Report — highlighted cooperation between USIP and the Treasury Department in exploring the links among defense, diplomacy and development.
|  Read more

USIP Introduces Pilot Courses

Drawing on USIP's twenty years of leadership in the field of conflict management, the Education and Training Center's inaugural courses will prepare practitioners to work effectively in conflict zones. Participants from backgrounds as diverse as education, the military, international organizations, the non-profit sector, and international development agencies will have a unique opportunity to enjoy a common learning experience. USIP's conflict management program will respond to both individual career needs and the ever-increasing demand for conflict management professionals. |  Learn more |  Request an application

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.