United States Institute of Peace (USIP)

The United States Institute of Peace works to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflict around the world. USIP does this by engaging directly in conflict zones and by providing analysis, education, and resources to those working for peace. Created by Congress in 1984 as an independent, nonpartisan, federally funded organization, USIP’s more than 300 staff work at the Institute’s D.C. headquarters, and on the ground in the world’s most dangerous regions.

USIP brings together experts and practitioners to:

• Identify the best ways to counter violent extremism and promote religious tolerance.
• Develop practical tools to improve the rule of law in chaotic, post-conflict settings.
• Rigorously test approaches to conflict prevention and peacebuilding to ensure the U.S. is using the most constructive and cost effective tools to protect U.S. interests without violence.
• Use traditional media, social networking and emerging technologies to track, prevent, and resolve violent conflict

USIP’S work advancing peace and U.S. national security interests includes:

• In Afghanistan, USIP works to promote peaceful elections through support of community radio, helping coordinate local candidate and electoral forums, and engaging youth. USIP maintains an office in Kabul to remain connected to local equities as American troops come home.
• In Colombia, USIP is active in the peace process that is bringing an end to a decades-long conflict. USIP has provided local organizations with technical and financial assistance, ensured that women and youth are part of the peace process, and serves as a trusted liaison among all parties.
• In Africa, USIP implements Generation Change, a program dedicated to empowering and building the capacity of emerging youth leaders in their communities. In Nigeria, USIP organized the first ever Northern Nigeria Governors Forum which addressed important peace and stability issues, and in South Sudan USIP has created a radio drama intended to help young people respect differences.
• USIP’s Academy trains U.S. and international military, civil society leaders, and practitioners in Washington, in the field and online on effective peacekeeping, community building, conflict management and humanitarian operations necessary for sustained peace.

Founded in 1984, USIP is funded by the U.S. Congress, and is governed by a 15-person bipartisan board made up of the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense, the President of the National Defense University, and 12 others appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

USIP’s headquarters on the National Mall symbolizes our nation’s commitment to peace. Designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie, the award winning building faces the Lincoln Memorial and stands adjacent to the Korean War and Vietnam Veterans memorials.