On March 23, USIP and the Centre for Security, Diplomacy and Strategy at the Brussels School of Governance convened a panel discussion looking at U.S. and European perspectives on achieving peace and reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula—and whether similar processes in other regions provide any helpful lessons.

Speakers:

Frank Aum

Tongfi Kim

Linde Desmaele 

Joseph Yun

Ramon Pacheco Pardo, moderator

For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/peacebuilding-korean-peninsula-us-and-european-perspectives

On March 23, USIP hosted a discussion of key developments in Iraq and the outlook for U.S.-Iraq relations under the Biden administration. The panel shared their insights on the Pope’s first-ever visit to Iraq, examined the country’s current challenges, and explored areas where policymakers and the international community can support Iraq.

Lise Grande, opening remarks 

Fore more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/consequential-year-iraq-whats-next

On March 18, 2021, USIP and the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University hosted a timely discussion on how applying the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion can contribute to more effective U.S. peace and development programs around the world. Panelists considered efforts to meaningfully engage marginalized or underrepresented groups such as women, youth, and social movement actors to support locally driven peacebuilding.

Speakers:

Corinne Graff, introductory remarks 

Susanna Campbell

Rosa Emilia Salamanca 

Jennifer Hawkins

Joseph Sany

Pamina Firchow, moderator

For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/can-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-deliver-peace

On March 17, 2021, USIP hosted a discussion on the Four Party Talks, including why the United States decided to propose these talks after 40 years of disengaging from North Korea, why the talks failed, and what lessons these talks may have for future attempts at peace discussions. The event included a panel of three leading Korea experts who served as part of the U.S. delegation during the Four Party Talks.

Speakers: 

Frank Aum, moderator

Robert Carlin 

Philip Yun 

Chip Gregson 

For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/lessons-four-party-peace-talks-korean-peninsula

In part one of our series on People Power, Peace, and Democracy, this event highlighted new research that explores the role of third-party mediation in nonviolent uprisings. The conversation provided key insights for both practitioners and policymakers by focusing on central aspects of mediation processes, such as the strategies of mediators and their relationships with conflicting parties—as well as examining how they can lead to agreements between governments and nonviolent movements.

For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/mediation-nonviolent-action-campaigns

On March 12, USIP and American University in the Emirates hosted a virtual discussion that aimed to better understand gender dynamics in conflict by convening experts in the field and sharing the lessons learned from initiatives that build the resilience of women during war and throughout post-war recovery.

Muthanna Abdul Razzaq, opening remarks

Dr. Elie Abouaoun

Susan Aref

Mehrinaz El Awady

Kathleen Kuehnast

Valentine M. Moghadam

Nahla Yassine-Hamdan

Lina Beydoun, moderator

For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/gender-dynamics-conflict-affected-middle-east-and-north-african-countries

In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, USIP, Oxfam International, and FEMRITE—the Ugandan Women Writers Association—hosted a discussion about how women’s literary voices can contribute to building a deeper understanding of the impact of conflict in South Sudan and inspire progress toward peace.

For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/voices-south-sudans-women 

Note: The audio recording of Birth Water by Bigoa Chuol herein is courtesy of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. 

On March 4, USIP hosted Libya’s ambassador to the United States and Libyan civil society leaders for a look at stories of positive community cooperation during the current crisis—as well as a discussion on how Libyan and international organizations can build off these successes to navigate Libya’s complex conflict and ensure a peaceful future for the country.  

Countering Violent Extremism by Refocusing on Communities

On February 24, 2021, USIP hosted an event with the RESOLVE Network and the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) that examined the role of non-state actors and local communities in preventing the spread of violent extremism. Drawing on research from RESOLVE’s Africa portfolio and ISS’s research, leading experts offered alternative pathways for conflict resolution that account for local peacebuilding challenges—as well as considered the pivotal role of women in community-based justice, conflict resolution, and the rule of law.

For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/security-challenges-africa-2021-and-beyond

On February 23, 2021, USIP hosted a discussion on a new report published by the National Committee on North Korea and the broader implications of market participation on North Korean society. The report’s authors were joined by leading experts on the Korean Peninsula and civil society to discuss how market participation has fostered the beginnings of a public sphere and how linkages between market activities and the building blocks of civil society may help promote the rights and livelihoods of the North Korean people—and shift the ideological framework through which the state must operate.

For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/building-blocks-civil-society-north-korea