Events at USIP

Ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan have historically faced persecution and violence, which intensified at the hands of various armed groups over the last four decades. The Hazara, an ethnic and religious minority group, remain a primary target of attacks. On June 3, USIP and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide held a discussion with d...

In his new book, “Why We Fight: The Roots of War and the Paths to Peace,” acclaimed expert on violence and seasoned peacebuilder Christopher Blattman draws on decades of research on economics, political science, psychology and real-world interventions to lay out the root causes of — and remedies for — war. On June 2, USIP hosted a conversation with Blattman about what keeps rivals from compromise,...

Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine is by far the most documented conflict of the 21st century. On June 1, USIP held a discussion with NBC News Political Director Chuck Todd and USIP’s Ambassador William Taylor on the role that journalists have played in relation to accountability for atrocities committed during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Speakers Ambassador George E. Moose ,  welcome remarks...

In December 2020, the Central African Republic’s (CAR) fragile peace agreement came under threat from a new configuration of armed groups that emerged shortly before President Touadera's contested re-election. On May 19, USIP and the National Endowment for Democracy held a conversation with civil society leaders on the prospects for peace and democracy in CAR. Speakers Elizabeth Murray ,  introduc...

Three nuclear-armed neighbors — China, India and Pakistan — are increasingly locked in tense relations across contested land borders. Last June, USIP convened a bipartisan Senior Study Group on Strategic Stability in Southern Asia. And on May 17, study group members discussed their findings and offered priority recommendations for U.S. policymakers working to de-escalate tensions in Southern Asia...

As a close U.S. ally in the region, Colombia’s competitive May 29 presidential elections will undoubtedly have important implications for the longstanding bilateral relationship. At a May 13 townhall event at USIP, Colombia’s principal vice-presidential candidates discussed their respective policy plans and visions for the country’s future. Speakers Marelen Castillo  Vice-Presidential Candidate, L...

From May 12-13, President Biden will host leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the White House for a U.S.-ASEAN Special Summit. The summit follows the release by the White House of its Indo-Pacific Strategy, which highlighted U.S. support for a strong and independent ASEAN that is central to regional affairs. On May 11, USIP held a conversation with U.S. National Secu...

As one of Europe’s leading voices on defense, security assistance and the future of multilateral cooperation, former President of Estonia H.E. Kersti Kaljulaid has well understood the forces at play since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as their impact on the transatlantic community. On May 10, USIP hosted an exclusive conversation with H.E. Kersti Kaljulaid on the current state of European...

When Rufus Phillips III passed away in December 2021, America lost one of its most creative foreign policy thinkers. His final book, “Stabilizing Fragile States: Why It Matters and What to Do About It,” was published posthumously in April. Join USIP for a discussion of Phillips’ legacy, how insights from his final book can help inform the implementation of the Global Fragility Act, and the future...

As one of Africa’s leading investors and philanthropists, Tony Elumelu understands the importance of an entrepreneurial-driven private sector in building sustainable peace in Africa. On April 28, USIP and The Heritage Foundation held a discussion with Tony Elumelu on the links between entrepreneurship and peacebuilding in Africa — as well as how African leaders and the international community can...

Atrocity crimes — war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression — threaten national and global security by violating our most fundamental international norms and the rights of civilian populations. Responding to such crimes is therefore a global responsibility, one frequently led by the International Criminal Court (ICC). On April 26, USIP hosted a conversation with ICC...

On April 18, the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights UK, and the United States Institute of Peace convened a conversation on holding Russian President Vladimir Putin accountable for war crimes and massive human rights violations in Ukraine.  Speakers: * Lise Grande, President and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace, opening remarks * Kerry K...

February marks 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Republic of Tajikistan. On April 14, USIP hosted a conversation that brought together current officials and leading experts to examine new opportunities and challenges during this highly fluid period in the region. Speakers Andrew Wilder ,  welcoming remarks  Vice President, Asia Center, U.S....

Afghanistan’s economy and people have suffered an overwhelming shock since the Taliban takeover last August. On April 13, USIP held a discussion on the economic situation in Afghanistan since the U.S withdrawal, the travails of the Afghan private sector and prospects for the future. Speakers William Byrd ,  moderator Senior Expert, Afghanistan, U.S Institute of Peace  Tobias Haque Lead Economist f...

In the weeks since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, policymakers and thought leaders have reflected on its implications for the global order, especially for the Indo-Pacific. On April 5, USIP hosted Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA) and Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH) — the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, Central Asia, and Nonproliferation — for a conversation...

This year marks the 50th anniversary of relations between the United States and Bangladesh. Over the past five decades, Bangladesh and the United States have developed a complex relationship that spans economic and security ties as well as transnational issues like climate change. On April 5, USIP hosted a conversation with Bangladesh’s foreign minister, His Excellency Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen, on the...

The U.S. Secretary of State's 2022 International Women of Courage (IWOC) award honors women from around the globe who have demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality and women’s empowerment. On March 31, USIP hosted awardees Josefina Klinger Zúñiga and Rizwana Hasan for a discussion on the strategies they use to take on the syste...

While the growth of the internet initially empowered activists, recent years have seen the rise of a new brand of digital authoritarianism in which repressive governments use new technology to surveil and censor opposition and flood their publics with misinformation. On March 29, USIP hosted thought leaders and grassroots activists for a discussion on how they have responded to rising digital auth...

Since their takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban have introduced new policies and regulations based on their own interpretation of Islam and Sharia — many of which have placed restrictions on women’s rights. On March 28, USIP hosted a conversation examining the differences between Taliban views and practices and those of other Muslim-majority nations. Speakers Kathleen Kuehnast,   welcomin...

As Russia’s assault on Ukraine continues, mounting evidence suggests that atrocities, including war crimes and crimes against humanity, are ongoing. On March 22, USIP hosted a discussion on seeking justice for Russian atrocities in Ukraine, the needs of Ukrainian civilians, available accountability mechanisms and the role of multilateral institutions in operationalizing an effective accountability...

USIP is hosting a series of Twitter Spaces between USIP experts and peacebuilding practitioners working in Afghanistan, Colombia, Myanmar, the Sahel and Ukraine to underscore the importance of protecting and facilitating women’s meaningful inclusion in peacebuilding. On March 7, our panel focused on Colombia. Speakers: Maria Antonia Montes @Tonis_Montes Program Officer, Latin America, U.S. Institu...

USIP is hosting a series of Twitter Spaces between USIP experts and peacebuilding practitioners working in Afghanistan, Colombia, Myanmar, the Sahel and Ukraine to underscore the importance of protecting and facilitating women’s meaningful inclusion in peacebuilding. On March 4, our panel focused on Afghanistan.   Speakers:   Belquis Ahmadi @belquisa2 Senior Program Officer, Afghanistan, U.S. Inst...

USIP is hosting a series of Twitter Spaces between USIP experts and peacebuilding practitioners working in Afghanistan, Colombia, Myanmar, the Sahel and Ukraine to underscore the importance of protecting and facilitating women’s meaningful inclusion in peacebuilding. On March 3, our panel focused on the Sahel.   Speakers: Nicoletta Barbera @nsbarbera Senior Program Officer, Africa, U.S. Institute...

USIP is hosting a series of Twitter Spaces between USIP experts and peacebuilding practitioners working in Afghanistan, Colombia, Myanmar, the Sahel and Ukraine to underscore the importance of protecting and facilitating women’s meaningful inclusion in peacebuilding. On March 2, our panel focused on Ukraine.   Speakers: Asmik Arutyunyan @AsmikArutunyan Senior Program Specialist, Russia and Europe,...

USIP is hosting a series of Twitter Spaces between USIP experts and peacebuilding practitioners working in Afghanistan, Colombia, Myanmar, the Sahel and Ukraine to underscore the importance of protecting and facilitating women’s meaningful inclusion in peacebuilding. On March 1, our panel focused on Myanmar. Speakers:   Billy Ford  @billee4d  Program Officer, Burma, U.S. Institute of Peace Khin La...