Events at USIP

On December 16, USIP, the National Democratic Institute, the International Republican Institute, the National Endowment for Democracy, and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems held an in-person conversation with President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria. The discussion reflected on the legacy of his administration, his leadership in bringing the Electoral Act of 2022 into fruition and his promise to leave a legacy of credible elections in which the Nigerian people will be free to choose their leaders. Speakers Lise Grande, opening remarksPresident and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace His Excellency Muhammadu BuhariPresident of Nigeria Ambassador Johnnie Carson, moderatorSenior Advisor, U.S. Institute of Peace For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/conversation-nigerian-president-muhammadu-buhari

On December 8, USIP held a conversation on the evolution of U.S. sanctions and how they can be used more effectively to resolve international conflicts without violence. Speakers Lise Grande, opening remarksPresident and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace Stephen RademakerSenior Counsel, Covington; Former Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Nonproliferation Stephen J. Hadley, moderatorFormer U.S. National Security Advisor; Former Chair, Board of Directors, U.S. Institute of Peace For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/history-and-future-us-sanctions-policy

On December 7, USIP, the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center and the Ukrainian Embassy to the United States held a conversation on the creation of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression. Such a tribunal would apply the definition of aggression that was established through the Rome Statute to hold Russian officials accountable for the war against Ukraine. Speakers Lise Grande, welcoming remarks President and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace Andriy Yermak Head, Office of the President of Ukraine Andrii Smyrnov Deputy Head, Office of the President of Ukraine Rep. Bill Keating (D-MA) U.S. Representative from Massachusetts Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) U.S. Representative from South Carolina Ambassador Oksana Markarova, welcoming remarks Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States Anton Korynevych Ambassador-at-Large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Lesia Zaburanna Member, Parliament of Ukraine; Chair, Subcommittee on Public Expenditures Ambassador David J. Scheffer Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations Ambassador William B. Taylor, moderator Vice President, Russia and Europe Center, U.S. Institute of Peace Ambassador John Herbst, closing remarks Senior Director, Eurasia Center, Atlantic Council For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/prosecuting-crime-aggression-ukraine

At a December 6 event, former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and U.S. Permanent Representative to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield discussed their personal journeys to positions of leadership, the importance of empowering women in politics, public service and the private sector across Africa, and their shared bond in lifting up the next generation. Speakers Lise Grande, introductory remarksPresident and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace President Ellen Johnson SirleafFormer President of Liberia Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Aluel Atem, co-moderatorProgram Officer, U.S. Institute of Peace; Co-founder Ma’ Mara Sakit Village South Sudan Angela Chin, co-moderatorSenior Program Assistant, U.S. Institute of Peace; Charles B. Rangel Graduate Fellow For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/breaking-barriers-entry-women-leaders-africa

On December 6, USIP hosted a panel to explore how past international policing and reform efforts make the case for specialized policing interventions, what these specialized models look like in practice, and how they could be applied to current and emerging conflicts. Speakers Lise Grande President and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace Col. Giuseppe De MagistrisDirector, NATO Stability Policing Centre of Excellence Jaswant LalOfficer-in-Charge, Strategic Policy and Development Section, U.N. Police Division John F. SopkoSpecial Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction Amb. Lars-Gunnar WigemarkHead of Mission, EULEX Kosovo Philippe Leroux-Martin, moderator Director, Governance, Justice and Security, U.S. Institute of Peace For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/filling-security-gap-international-approaches-policing-conflict

The Securing the Future Initiative (SFI) was launched last September — the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks — with the mission of conducting the first-ever independent review and assessment of the U.N. Security Council’s counterterrorism activities. On December 1, USIP, the RESOLVE Network and SFI held a conversation on the future of the U.N. Security Council’s counterterrorism strategy. Speakers Kateira AryaeinejadProgram Officer, RESOLVE, U.S. Institute of Peace Naureen Chowdhury Fink Executive Director, The Soufan Center@NaureenCFink Matthew Levitt Fromer-Wexler Fellow and Director of the Jeanette and Eli Reinhard Program on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, The Washington Institute@Levitt_Matt Alistair MillarPresident, The Fourth Freedom Forum Eric RosandExecutive Director, Strong Cities Network; Senior Associate Fellow, Royal United Services Institute@RosandEric For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/beyond-2001-paradigm-counterterrorism-and-un-security-council-911

On November 30, USIP hosted a conversation with Ambassador Daniel Feldman, the former chief of staff and counselor to Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry. Ambassador Feldman, who attended COP27, offered his insights from the trip and discussed how the conference’s focus on climate justice, climate financing, and debt-for-climate swaps will impact South Asian countries. Speakers Ambassador Daniel Feldman Former Chief of Staff and Counselor to Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry Tamanna Salikuddin, moderatorDirector, South Asia Programs, U.S. Institute of Peace For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/after-cop27-whats-next-south-asia

In 2016, the U.N. General Assembly established the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria (IIIM), after vetoes in the U.N. Security Council prevented referral of the Syrian situation to the International Criminal Court. IIIM Head Catherine Marchi-Uhel discusses the obstacles to this work, the progress made to date and what lessons it can provide for delivering accountability and justice in other conflicts. For more information about the event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/delivering-justice-syria-assessing-progress-iiim

On November 16, USIP hosted a conversation with U.N. Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide Alice Wairimu Nderitu on the efforts her office has taken to prevent atrocity crimes and to improve the U.N.’s ability to protect vulnerable civilian populations. Speakers Philippe Leroux-Martin, welcoming remarksDirector, Governance, Justice and Security, United States Institute of Peace Alice Wairimu NderituUnder-Secretary-General and U.N. Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide Lauren Baillie, moderatorSenior Program Officer, Atrocity Prevention, U.S. Institute of Peace For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/un-approach-preventing-atrocities

Since 2015, Russia’s military intervention in Syria has helped Bashar al-Assad remain in power. But as Russia suffers ongoing battlefield defeats and setbacks in Ukraine, the Kremlin has redirected its focus and resources there. On November 8, USIP hosted a Twitter Space conversation on the short- and long-term implications of Russia’s shifting role in the Syrian conflict, as well as what the geopolitical fallout from the war in Ukraine means for Syria and the Middle East. Speakers Mona YacoubianSenior Advisor, Executive Office and Middle East and North Africa Center, U.S. Institute of Peace@myacoubian Heather Ashby, moderatorSenior Program Officer, Center for Russia & Europe, U.S. Institute of Peace@DrHeatherAshby For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/twitter-space-syria-russia-and-war-ukraine

A recent report to the U.N. General Assembly highlights the need for greater awareness of how sexual orientation and gender identity dynamics function in armed conflict, peacebuilding and peacekeeping. On November 8, USIP hosted Victor Madrigal-Borloz, the U.N. independent expert on sexual orientation and gender identity, and other experts for a discussion of the gendered dimensions of armed conflict, their root causes and consequences, and how to increase protection of gender-diverse persons and groups from discrimination and violence. Panelists Joseph Sany, welcoming remarksVice President, Africa Center, U.S. Institute of Peace@Josephsany1 Victor Madrigal-Borloz, keynote remarksIndependent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, United Nations Commission on Human Rights@victor_madrigal Andrew CheathamSenior Expert, U.S. Institute of Peace@drepalermo London BellExecutive Committee Co-Chair, U.S. Civil Society Working Group on Women, Peace and Security@BellGlobal1 Kathleen Kuehnast, moderatorDirector, Gender Policy and Strategy, U.S. Institute of Peace@kathkuehnast For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/protecting-gender-and-sexual-minorities-during-armed-conflict

On November 4, USIP hosted a conversation with five of the essayists on the sources of tension in the Japan-South Korea relationship and the creative ways in which policymakers, practitioners, and experts can address topics such as forced labor, collective wartime memories, the legacy of “comfort women,” the U.S.-South Korea-Japan trilateral alliance, and regional stability. Speakers Alexis DuddenProfessor of History, University of Connecticut Jonathan MillerDirector of the Indo-Pacific Program and Senior Fellow, Macdonald-Laurier Institute Nathan ParkInternational Litigation Lawyer; Nonresident Fellow, Sejong Institute in South Korea Dan SneiderLecturer, East Asian Studies, Stanford University Timothy WebsterProfessor of Law, Western New England University Frank Aum, moderatorSenior Expert, Northeast Asia, U.S. Institute of Peace For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/resolving-tensions-between-south-korea-and-japan

Kenya is currently one of three African states with a non-permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council. On November 4 at USIP, Kenya's Ambassador to the U.N. Martin Kimani discussed ways to advance the goals of the 2022 U.S.-Africa Strategy, the U.N. Security Council’s responses to threats to peace and security in Africa and globally, and Africa’s role in advancing peace and development through efforts in the United Nations and other multilateral forums. Speakers Joseph Sany, introductory remarksVice President, Africa Center, U.S. Institute of Peace Ambassador Martin KimaniKenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Makila James, moderatorSenior Advisor, Africa Center, U.S. Institute of Peace For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/africa-global-stage

On November 3, USIP hosted a conversation on the invasion of Ukraine's latest developments, Russia's strategic thinking, and the implications for Ukraine, Russia and Europe. Speakers Mark GaleottiPrincipal Director, Mayak Intelligence; Senior Associate Fellow, Royal United Services Institute Donald Jensen, moderatorDirector, Russia and Europe Center, U.S. Institute of Peace For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/putins-shifting-approach-conflict-and-war-ukraine

On November 2, USIP hosted a conversation on the role of women in creating an inclusive and equitable path forward for the peacebuilding field. Speakers Joseph Sany, welcoming remarksVice President, Africa Center, U.S. Institute of Peace@Josephsany1 Liz Hume, keynote remarks Executive Director, Alliance for Peacebuilding@lizhume4peace Dorothy Nyambi Chief Executive Officer and President, Mennonite Economic Development Associates @drdnyambi Esra Çuhadar Senior Expert, Dialogue and Peace Processes, U.S. Institute of Peace@ceragesra Shannon Paige Policy Associate, Peace Direct Maria Antonia Montes, moderator Program Officer, Latin America, U.S. Institute of Peace@tonis_montes Kathleen Kuehnast, closing remarks Director, Gender Policy and Strategy, U.S. Institute of Peace@kathkuehnast For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/amplifying-womens-voices-equity-and-inclusion-peacebuilding

On October 27, International Religious Freedom Day, USIP hosted a conversation with Rashad Hussain, the U.S. ambassador at large for international religious freedom, on why promoting freedom of religion and belief around the world is central to advancing U.S. national security — as well as how the United States can provide global leadership around this vital agenda. Speakers Lise Grande, welcoming remarksPresident and CEO, U.S. Institute of PeaceAmbassador Rashad HussainU.S. Ambassador At Large for International Religious Freedom, U.S. Department of State Palwasha KakarActing Director, Religion and Inclusive Societies, U.S. Institute of Peace Peter Mandaville, moderator Senior Advisor, Religion and Inclusive Societies, U.S. Institute of Peace For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/broadening-aperture-international-religious-freedom-national-security-and-peacebuilding

On October 26, USIP, the RESOLVE Network and the Mershon Center for International Security Studies hosted a conversation on the role of rituals, traditions, and transformational processes in the wake of violence and their ability to transform societal relationships in significant ways. Speakers Chris Bosley, welcoming remarksInterim Director, Program on Violent Extremism, U.S. Institute of Peace John CaulkerExecutive Director, Fambul Tok Oliver KaplanAssociate Professor in International Relations and Human Rights; Associate Director of Human Trafficking Center, Josef Korbel School of International Students, University of Denver Lisa Schirch, moderatorRichard G. Starmann Sr. Professor of the Practice of Peace Studies, Keough School of Global Affairs, University of Notre Dame Dorry Noyes, concluding remarksDirector, Mershon Center for International Security Studies, Ohio State University Pedro ValenzuelaProfessor, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Colombia For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/how-rituals-rites-and-ceremonies-can-help-social-healing-after-violence

Despite trillions of dollars invested in the Afghanistan war and reconstruction effort, the U.S. government failed to achieve an inclusive and durable political settlement to the conflict. On October 25, USIP hosted a conference that brought together former senior officials and top experts to explore the questions and identify lessons to inform U.S. policy in the future. Speakers Learning from Missed Opportunities and Mistakes by the U.S. Government Christopher KolendaRetired U.S. Army Colonel; Adjunct Senior Fellow, Center for a New American Security Dipali MukhopadhyayAssociate Professor, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota; Senior Expert, U.S. Institute of Peace Tamanna Salikuddin,Director, South Asia Programs, U.S. Institute of Peace Kate Bateman, moderatorSenior Expert, Afghanistan, U.S. Institute of Peace Afghan, Regional and International Perspectives on the Failed Peace Process Masoom StanekzaiFormer Chief Negotiator, Intelligence Chief, and Defense Minister, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Habiba SarabiFormer Negotiator, Provincial Governor, and Minister of Women’s Affairs, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Steve J. BrookingFormer Special Advisor on Peace and Reconciliation, U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan Kristian Berg HarpvikenResearch Professor, Peace Research Institute Oslo Scott Worden, moderatorDirector, Afghanistan and Central Asia, U.S. Institute of Peace For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/lessons-afghanistan-peace-process

Three decades on from the Oslo Accords, water remains a driver of conflict and competition in the Israeli-Palestinian diplomatic arena. However, advances in technology — combined with new regional alignments — hold the potential for water to provide win-win opportunities for both societies while building trust and momentum toward broader diplomatic progress in the region. On October 18, USIP hosted a conversation on the precedents and assumptions that have long driven the diplomatic approach to water in the conflict, the ongoing water crisis facing the parties and their neighbors, and the game-changing developments that could make bilateral and multilateral progress possible. Speakers Yana Abu TalebJordan Director, EcoPeace Middle East Gidon BrombergIsrael Director, EcoPeace Middle East Nada MajdalaniPalestine Director, EcoPeace Middle East Lucy Kurtzer-Ellenbogen, moderatorDirector, Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Program, U.S. Institute of Peace For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/game-changing-potential-water-israeli-palestinian-conflict

Since the U.N. General Assembly established the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) in 2016, this first-of-its-kind investigative body has played a critical role in collecting and analyzing evidence of crimes in Syria. On October 17, USIP hosted a discussion of the IIIM’s progress in collecting, consolidating, preserving and analyzing evidence of international humanitarian law and human rights violations in Syria. Speakers Michael Yaffe, Ph.D., welcome remarksVice President, Middle East North Africa Center, U.S. Institute of Peace Mohammad Al AbdallahFounding Director, Syria Justice and Accountability CenterCatherine Marchi-UhelHead of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism Beth Van SchaackAmbassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice, U.S. Department of State Mona Yacoubian, moderatorSenior Advisor, Executive Office and Middle East and North Africa Center, U.S. Institute of Peace For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/delivering-justice-syria-assessing-progress-iiim

Renowned Colombian photographer Jesús “Chucho” Abad Colorado has spent the last 30 years documenting the atrocities of his country’s armed conflict, the faces of its victims and the related damage to its diverse and rich ecosystems. On October 13, USIP, the Washington Office on Latin America, Colombia’s National University and the Atlantic Council hosted the launch of “The Witness,” about the human toll of armed conflict, the deep scars that violence creates on the environment, the resilience of victims and the voices for peace. Speakers Camila Hernandez, opening remarks Associate Director, Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center, Atlantic Council Jesús Abad ColoradoColombian Photographer María Belén Saez de Ibarra Curator and Director, Center for Cultural Heritage, National University of Colombia Gimena Sánchez-Garzoli, closing remarksDirector for the Andes, Washington Office on Latin America Tonis Montes, moderatorProgram Officer, Latin America Program, U.S. Institute of Peace For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/understanding-colombias-conflict-through-lens-jesus-abad-colorado

The consequences of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine continue to reverberate throughout Europe, challenging the rules-based international order for maintaining peace and security. On October 4, USIP held a Twitter Space conversation with Angela Stent, one of America’s foremost experts on Russia and Europe, regarding Putin's evolving goals in Ukraine and the prospects for peace in Europe. Speakers Angela StentNonresident Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution; Professor Emerita, Georgetown University@AngelaStent Mary Glantz, moderatorSenior Advisor, Russia and Europe Center, U.S. Institute of Peace@MaryEGlantz For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/twitter-space-what-comes-next-russia-ukraine-and-europes-peace-and-security

The process of postwar reconciliation between the United States, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia is one of the most remarkable stories of the 21st century. On October 11 and 12, USIP hosted a two-part event bringing together diplomats, advocates and authors to draw lessons from U.S. engagement in Southeast Asia that could apply to conflicts elsewhere in the world. Panelists October 12: The Future of U.S. Relations with Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia Ambassador Marc KnapperU.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Ambassador Bonnie JenkinsUnder Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, U.S. Department of State Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh President, Vietnam-USA Society Brian EylerDirector, Southeast Asia Program, Stimson Center Vu Ha PhuongResearch Fellow, Otago University, New Zealand Vikram Singh, moderator Senior Advisor, Asia Program, U.S. Institute of Peace For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/dialogue-war-legacies-and-peace-vietnam-laos-and-cambodia

The process of postwar reconciliation between the United States, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia is one of the most remarkable stories of the 21st century. On October 11 and 12, USIP hosted a two-part event bringing together diplomats, advocates and authors to draw lessons from U.S. engagement in Southeast Asia that could apply to conflicts elsewhere in the world. Panelists October 11: Healing the Wounds of War Lise Grande, Opening RemarksPresident and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace Michael SchifferAssistant Administrator of the Bureau for Asia, U.S. Agency for International Development Tôn Nữ Thị NinhPresident, Ho Chi Minh City Peace and Development Foundation Jed RoyalPrincipal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, U.S. Department of Defense Loung UngAuthor, “First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers” Sera KoulabdaraExecutive Director, Legacies of War Brian Harding, moderatorSenior Expert, Southeast Asia, U.S. Institute of Peace For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/dialogue-war-legacies-and-peace-vietnam-laos-and-cambodia

Pakistan’s unprecedented flood disaster is a wake-up call for governments and international institutions on the need to build a worldwide response to the disproportionate burden of climate change on nations of the Global South — a challenge that Pakistan’s foreign minister underscored to U.S. officials and foreign policy analysts at a September 28 USIP luncheon. Speakers Lise GrandePresident and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace, welcome remarks Derek CholletCounselor of the Department of State, opening remarks Bilawal Bhutto ZardariPakistani Minister of Foreign Affairs Daniel FeldmanAmbassador, moderator For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/publications/2022/09/pakistan-presses-us-lead-global-response-climate-disasters

A recent USIP Special Report surveys the contemporary dynamics, drivers and manifestations of Islamist extremism in Bangladesh. on September 29, USIP hosted an event with the report's authors to discuss its recommendations and implications. Speakers Geoffrey MacdonaldSenior Advisor for Asia and Bangladesh, International Republican Institute Mubashar HasanAdjunct Fellow, University of Western Sydney Humanitarian and Development Research Initiative Daniel Markey, moderatorSenior Advisor, South Asia, USIP For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/persistent-challenge-extremism-bangladesh

On September 28, USIP and the RESOLVE Network hosted a virtual conversation examining the complex interactions between armed groups, civilians, state actors and international security — as well as how members disengage from community-based armed groups and reconcile with their local communities. Speakers Alastair Reed, opening remarks Executive Director, RESOLVE Network Kamina DialloGender Mainstreaming Specialist and PhD Candidate at Sciences Po Paris (CERI) Lauren Van Metre Director, Peace, Climate and Democratic Resilience, National Democratic Institute Mary Beth Altier Clinical Associate Professor, Center for Global Affairs, New York University For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/exiting-violence-disengagement-and-reconciliation-community-based-armed-groups

The Freely Associated States (FAS) — comprised of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau — have exceptionally close relationships with the United States under the Compacts of Free Association. However, in the last decade, and especially the last five years, strategic competition between China and the United States has increased, and Beijing’s increasing engagement with the FAS is threatening U.S. interests both locally and in the broader Pacific region. On September 20, USIP hosted a look at the final report from the USIP Senior Study Group on China’s Influence on the Freely Associated States. Speakers Philip DavidsonFormer Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command; Co-Chair, USIP Senior Study Group Robert UnderwoodFormer Delegate from Guam to the U.S. House of Representatives; Co-Chair, USIP Senior Study Group Ambassador Joseph YunSpecial Presidential Envoy for Compact Negotiations, U.S. Department of State Jennifer Staats, moderatorDirector, East and Southeast Asia Programs, U.S. Institute of Peace For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/chinas-influence-freely-associated-states

More than seven months into Russia’s second invasion of Ukraine, Russian forces have established a clear pattern of targeting civilians and civilian spaces. On September 20, USIP hosted a discussion of Russia’s crimes in Ukraine and whether they amount to genocide. Speakers Lise Grande, opening remarksPresident and CEO, United States Institute of Peace Azeem IbrahimDirector of Special Initiatives, New Lines Institute Andriy KostinProsecutor General of Ukraine Ambassador Clint WilliamsonSenior Director for International Justice, Georgetown Center for National Security; Lead Advisor, Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group Ambassador William B. Taylor, moderatorVice President, Russia and Europe, U.S. Institute of Peace; Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/russias-actions-ukraine-and-crime-genocide

The Western Hemisphere faces mounting challenges as it confronts persistently high levels of poverty, rising violence, massive flows of migrants, and some of the worst COVID aftermaths in the world. On September 19, USIP hosted an in-person discussion of U.S. policy in the hemisphere with National Security Council Senior Director Juan Gonzalez. Speakers Juan GonzalezSenior Director for the Western Hemisphere, U.S. National Security Council Keith Mines, moderatorDirector, Latin America Program, U.S. Institute of Peace For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/there-path-greater-unity-western-hemisphere

Amid a series of global shocks and overlapping crises — from climate change and COVID-19 to rising inflation and crippling debt — fragile and conflict-affected states are under unprecedented strain. On September 27, USIP hosted a conversation with U.N. Development Programme Administrator Achim Steiner on how countries affected by conflict have been impacted by recent global shocks — as well as how the international community, including the United Nations, will need to reimagine development in the context of crisis to prevent further instability and economic disruption. Speakers Lise Grande President and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace Achim SteinerAdministrator, U.N. Development Program For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/reimagining-crisis-response-how-save-lives-and-livelihoods

In recent years, the United States and the People’s Republic of China have found it particularly challenging to interpret one another’s signals, especially where Taiwan is concerned. On September 16, USIP hosted a discussion with the authors of the recently released report “U.S.-China Signaling, Action-Reaction Dynamics, and Taiwan.” The conversation provided takeaways and offered insights on the ongoing tensions over Taiwan in U.S.-China relations. Speakers Carla FreemanSenior Expert, China, U.S. Institute of Peace Alison McFarland Research Analyst, China and Northeast Asia, U.S. Institute of Peace Andrew Scobell Distinguished Fellow, China, U.S. Institute of Peace Evan Medeiros, moderatorSenior Advisor, China, U.S. Institute of Peace For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/misinterpreting-us-china-signaling-taiwan

Long considered vulnerable to climate change, Pakistan is in the middle of a severe climate-induced disaster. Horrific flooding has left one-third of the country underwater, killing more than 1,200 people and impacting 33 million more. On Sept. 8, USIP hosted a Twitter Space discussion on the causes and impact of these catastrophic floods on Pakistan’s already fragile political and economic situation. Speakers Asfandyar MirSenior Expert, United States Institute of Peace@asfandyarmir Arifa NoorJournalist & Anchor, Dawn@arifanoor72 Jumaina SiddiquiSenior Program Officer, South Asia, United States Institute of Peace@jumainasiddiqui Tamanna Salikuddin, moderatorDirector, South Asia Programs, United States Institute of Peace@tsalikuddin For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/twitter-space-pakistan-under-water-under-siege

On Aug. 31, the U.S. Institute of Peace hosted a Twitter Space discussion with USIP experts on how Afghanistan has changed over the past year, what it means for the country going forward, and ways U.S. and international policy can continue to support efforts for an inclusive and stable Afghanistan that recognizes the rights of all its citizens. Speakers Scott WordenDirector, Afghanistan and Central Asia, U.S. Institute of Peace@ScottRWorden Kate BatemanSenior Expert, Afghanistan, U.S. Institute of Peace@katebatemandc Belquis AhmadiSenior Program Officer, Afghanistan, U.S. Institute of Peace@belquisa2 Asfandyar MirSenior Expert, Asia Center, U.S. Institute of Peace@asfandyarmir Andrew Watkins Senior Expert, Afghanistan, U.S. Institute of Peace@and_huh_what William ByrdSenior Expert, Afghanistan, U.S. Institute of Peace@BillBparenda For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/twitter-space-afghanistan-one-year-later

This week marks the one-year anniversary of the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan. Despite pledges of moderation and reform from some Taliban factions, over the last year they have reinstated many of the harshest policies from their 1990s emirate, pushing women out of public life and brooking no dissent. For many Afghans — especially women, girls and ethnic and religious minorities — the threat of violence looms over daily life. U.S. Special Envoy for Afghan Women, Girls and Human Rights Rina Amiri discusses how Afghans' lives have changes over the last year, what brave Afghan women are doing to protest the rollback of their rights, and how the United States and international community can help.

Dubbed the “shadow pandemic” by the United Nations, gender-based violence rose dramatically during the COVID-19 crisis — particularly in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. On Aug. 4, USIP hosted the first event in our new series, YouthTalks. Organized by the USIP Youth Advisory Council, YouthTalks facilitates conversations between youth peacebuilders from conflict affected regions on key issues related to peace and security. Speakers Paula Porras, welcoming and closing remarks Program Officer, Youth Program, U.S. Institute of Peace Negar Ashtari Abay, framing remarksProgram Officer, Gender Policy and Strategy, U.S. Institute of Peace Panel Discussion Jau Raminez Director, Somos Mov; USIP Generation Change Fellow from Venezuela Soukaina HamiaAccount Manager, Women in Governance; USIP Generation Change Fellow from Morocco Nyachangkuoth Rambang TaiGender Advisor, Assistance Mission for Africa; USIP Generation Change Fellow from South Sudan Sohaila RezaeeUSIP Generation Change Fellow from Afghanistan Sophia Santi, moderatorCo-Chair, USIP Youth Advisory Council; USIP Generation Change Fellow For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/after-covid-how-can-youth-help-address-gender-based-violence

Religious restrictions and hostilities around the world have risen steadily over the past few decades, reaching an all-time high in 2018 — a trend that has only worsened with the COVID-19 pandemic. On Aug. 2, USIP and the University of Nottingham’s School of Politics and International Relations discussed a new report, Global Trends and Challenges to Protecting and Promoting Freedom of Religion or Belief. Speakers Jonathan FoxYehuda Avner Professor of Religion and Politics, Bar Ilan University Jason KlocekSenior Researcher, U.S. Institute of Peace; Assistant Professor of Politics and International Relations, University of Nottingham Samirah MajumdarResearch Associate, Pew Research Center Adam Nicholas PhillipsActing Deputy Assistant Administrator and Executive Director of the Local, Faith, and Transformative Partnerships Hub in the Bureau for Democracy, Development and Innovation at the U.S. Agency for International Development For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/protecting-and-promoting-freedom-religion-or-belief

On July 28, USIP, the Atlantic Council, the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security, the Sisterhood is Global Institute and the U.S Department of State joined to launch the U.S.-Afghan Consultative Mechanism. Participants Antony J. Blinken, keynote remarksU.S. Secretary of State Rina Amiri, moderatorU.S. Special Envoy for Afghan Women, Girls, and Human Rights Lise Grande, welcoming remarksPresident and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace Palwasha HassanSenior Fellow, Institute for Women, Peace and Security, Georgetown University;Founding Member, Afghan Women’s Network Naheed SarabiVisiting Fellow, Center for Sustainable Development, the Brookings Institution Asila WardakSenior Fellow at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, Harvard University; Founding Member of the Women’s Forum on Afghanistan For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/engaging-afghan-women-and-civil-society-us-policymaking

Award-winning photojournalists Bill Gentile and Robert Nickelsberg began their careers reporting on the Cold War struggles that embroiled Central America in the 1980’s and 1990’s — a time when long-standing economic disparities and deep political divides erupted into irregular warfare throughout the region. On July 27, USIP hosted Gentile, Nickelsberg and José Luis Sanz for a reflection on the legacy of Cold War-era conflicts in Central America. Speakers Bill GentileJournalist in Residence, School of Communication, American University Robert NickelsbergPhotojournalist specializing in political and cultural change José Luis SanzWashington Correspondent, El Faro Keith Mines, moderator Program Director, Latin America, U.S. Institute of Peace For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/images-central-americas-wars-and-its-unfinished-peace

With the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and an economy on the verge of collapse, Sri Lanka faces perhaps its worst crisis since independence in 1948. On July 25, USIP hosted a discussion on what’s next for Sri Lanka — from reforming the constitution to lessen the power of the presidency to finalizing a deal with the International Monetary Fund and Sri Lanka’s creditors to secure relief to the immediate economic crisis. Speakers Amb. Prasad KariyawasamFormer Foreign Secretary and Former Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United States Bhavani FonsekaSenior Researcher, Centre for Policy Alternatives Akhil BeryDirector of South Asia Initiatives, Asia Society Policy Institute Ambika SatkunanathanFormer Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Tamanna Salikuddin, moderatorDirector, South Asia Programs, U.S. Institute of Peace For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/whats-next-sri-lanka

USIP and the Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs hosted a conversation that attempted to pierce the veil of secrecy around recent events in Central Asia. A panel of scholars discussed how they view recent protests and tried to understand more broadly why governments in the region are suddenly struggling to keep things under control. For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/where-are-protests-and-crackdowns-central-asia-coming Speakers Assel TutumluAssociate Professor, Near East University Suzanne Levi-SanchezNon-Resident Fellow, School of International Service, American University Ivan U. K. Klyszcz Doctoral Candidate, University of Tartu Gavin Helf, moderatorSenior Expert, Central Asia, U.S. Institute of Peace

USIP, the Simon Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and the U.S. State Department hosted a discussion of the newly released U.S. Strategy to Anticipate, Prevent and Respond to Atrocities — as well as a look at the work the Atrocity Prevention Task Force has done over the past year as documented through its 2022 report to Congress as part of the Elie Wiesel Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act. Speakers Welcoming Remarks Lise GrandePresident and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace Naomi KikolerDirector, Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide, U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Theodora Klayman Holocaust Survivor Merrick B. GarlandAttorney General of the United States of America Panel 1: Institutionalizing Atrocity Prevention Nidhi BouriActing Senior Director, Development, Global Health and Humanitarian Response, U.S. National Security Council Robert J. FaucherPrincipal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations, U.S. Department of State Robert JenkinsAssistant to the Administrator, Bureau for Conflict Prevention and Stabilization, USAID Michelle Strucke Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Global Partnerships, U.S. Department of Defense Ambassador Beth Van SchaackAmbassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice, U.S. Department of State Naomi Kikoler, moderatorDirector, Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide, U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Panel 2: Operationalizing Atrocity Prevention Toby BradleyDeputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, U.S. Department of State Scott BusbyPrincipal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, U.S. Department of State Katrina FotovatSenior Official, Office of Global Women’s Issues, U.S. Department of State Allison Lombardo Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of International Organization Affairs, U.S. Department of State Rosarie TucciDirector, Center for Democracy, Human Rights and Governance, U.S. Agency for International Development David W. Yang, moderator Vice President, Center of Thematic Excellence and Gandhi-King Global Academy, U.S. Institute of Peace

On July 19, USIP held a conversation on the importance of documentation in the pursuit of accountability for crimes committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the war — as well as lessons for current international accountability efforts for atrocities in other conflict-affected countries, such as Ukraine, Afghanistan and Ethiopia. Speakers Valerie HopkinsForeign Correspondent, The New York Times Paul Koring Attorney; Former Foreign Correspondent, The Globe and Mail Emina MuzaferijaResearcher; Former Staff Member, U.N. International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals Gerard Toal Professor, School of Public and International Affairs, Virginia Tech; Author of “Bosnia Remade: Ethnic Cleansing and Its Reversal” Ajla TerzicJournalist; Author of “This Could Have Been a Simple Story” Philippe Leroux-Martin, moderatorDirector, Governance, Justice and Security, U.S. Institute of Peace; Author of “Diplomatic Counterinsurgency: Lessons from Bosnia and Herzegovina” For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/documenting-impact-war-civilians-bosnia-and-herzegovina

On July 15, USIP hosted Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), a member of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, and Rep. Young Kim (R-CA), vice ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, Central Asia and Nonproliferation, for a discussion on the bipartisan congressional response to the Chinese government’s human rights abuses against Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Speakers Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA)U.S. Representative from Virginia @RepWexton Rep. Young Kim (R-CA)U.S. Representative from California@RepYoungKim Lise Grande, moderatorPresident and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/advancing-human-rights-xinjiang-uyghur-autonomous-region

Colombia’s Truth Commission was established by the 2016 FARC peace accord to address the country’s ongoing six-decade old conflict that has affected more than 9 million registered victims. The Commission released its final report on June 28. On July 15, USIP, the Washington Office on Latin America, the Colombia Human Rights Committee, the Latin America Working Group, Humanity United and the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies hosted three commissioners for the first international presentation of their final report. Speakers Francisco de RouxPresident, Commission for the Clarification of Truth, Co-existence and Non-RepetitionEnglish Bio Alejandra MillerTruth Commissioner, Commission for the Clarification of Truth, Co-existence and Non-Repetition Saúl FrancoTruth Commissioner, Commission for the Clarification of Truth, Co-existence and Non-Repetition Cristina Espinel, moderator Co-Director, Colombia Human Rights Committee Steve Hege, opening remarksRegional Deputy Director for Latin America, U.S. Institute of Peace Gimena Sánchez, opening remarksDirector for the Andes, Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) Lisa Haugaard, opening remarks Executive Director, Latin America Working Group (LAWG) For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/final-report-truth-commission-colombias-2016-farc-peace-accord

On July 13, USIP held a discussion on the approaches to reconciliation and justice in Rwanda that followed the 1994 genocide, including the Gacaca Courts and community-based and women-led initiatives. Speakers Dr. Phil ClarkProfessor of International PoliticsSOAS University of London Mr. Mike JobbinsVice President, Global Affairs & PartnershipsSearch for Common Ground Dr. Alice Urusaro KarekeziProfessor, Center for Conflict ManagementUniversity of Rwanda Dr. Felix NdahindaHonorary Associate Professor, College of Arts and Social SciencesUniversity of Rwanda Susan Stigant, moderator Director, Africa Center, U.S. Institute of Peace For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/reconciliation-and-justice-rwanda

In a new USIP book, Ambassador Frederic Hof tells the story of a secret U.S. effort to broker peace between Israel and Syria between 2009-2011. Just as that effort seemed to be making important progress, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime began to violently suppress Syrian protesters, scuttling the chance for peace. Hof discusses what the foundation of Israel-Syria peace would have looked like, the pre-2011 perceptions of Assad as a "reformer," President Biden's trip to the Middle East and how the international community should deal with the Syrian dictator today.

On July 12, USIP and Georgetown University’s Institute for the Study of Diplomacy hosted a discussion reflecting on Ambassador Frederic Hof’s experience trying to broker Syrian-Israeli peace and what it can tell us about the possibilities and limitations of American conflict mediation. Speakers Lise Grande, welcoming remarksPresident and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace Ambassador Barbara K. BodineDirector & Distinguished Professor in the Practice of Diplomacy; Georgetown University’s Institute for the Study of Diplomacy Ambassador Frederic C. HofDiplomat in Residence, Bard College Dr. Chester A. CrockerJames R. Schlesinger Distinguished Fellow in Strategic Studies, Georgetown University’s Institute for the Study of Diplomacy Dr. Daniel Serwer Senior Fellow, Foreign Policy Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies Ambassador Bernard W. AronsonManaging Partner, ACON Investments For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/brokering-peace-middle-east-and-beyond

Though the rule of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia (1975-1979) was short-lived, the atrocities committed by the regime are among the most egregious in human history. On July 6, USIP held a conversation with journalist and author Elizabeth Becker, atrocity investigator and educator Ly Sok-Kheang and former advisor to the Extraordinary Chambers Courts of Cambodia Susana SáCouto to reflect on role of documentation in achieving justice and accountability. Speakers Elizabeth BeckerAuthor and Journalist Ly Sok-KheangDirector, Anlong Veng Peace Center, Documentation Center of Cambodia Susana SáCoutoDirector, War Crimes Research Office, Washington College of Law, American University Andrew Wells-Dang, moderatorSenior Expert, Vietnam, U.S. Institute of Peace For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/justice-and-accountability-khmer-rouge-atrocities

Russia’s war in Ukraine has deepened a global food crisis that has left hundreds of millions facing acute hunger. Beyond the humanitarian challenges this crisis presents, it could stoke violence and conflict in fragile regions. U.N. World Food Program Chief Economist Arif Husain discusses the state of global hunger, why it’s vital that we rethink our response to conflict and what can be done in the immediate to stave off the worst.

With the potential for a global food crisis to greatly accelerate and exacerbate conflict dynamics in fragile states, the international community must adopt a conflict lens to prevent a humanitarian disaster of even greater proportions from unfolding. On June 30, USIP hosted a conversation with leading experts on how the international community can work together to help prevent or mitigate the possibility of violence caused by a food security crisis of this scale. Speakers Lise Grande, introductory remarksPresident and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace Isobel Coleman, keynote remarksDeputy Administrator for Policy and Programming, U.S. Agency for International Development Abdi AynteFormer Minisiter of Planning and Economic Promotion, Somalia Arif HusainChief Economist, World Food Program Haneen SayedLead Human Development Specialist, Middle East and North Africa, World Bank Ambassador Johnnie Carson, moderatorSenior Advisor, U.S. Institute of Peace For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/preventing-conflict-amid-global-food-crisis