Events at USIP

Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan, Ph.D., explores how India is cautiously observing Beijing’s nuclear intentions while calculating the potential risks to regional security in her new USIP special report, “Assessing India’s Perceptions of China’s Nuclear Expansion.” On March 4, USIP hosted a virtual conversation with Rajagopalan that looked at India’s perceptions of China’s nuclear expansion, the advancements that may be most consequential for regional security, and the potential consequences of China's nuclear build-up on the U.S.-India bilateral relationship. Speakers Sameer Lalwani, Ph.D.Senior Expert, South Asia, U.S. Institute of PeaceRobert Peters, Ph.D.Research Fellow, Nuclear Deterrence and Missile Defense, The Heritage Foundation Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan, Ph.D.Resident Senior Fellow, Australian Strategic Policy Institute Daniel Markey, Ph.D., moderatorSenior Advisor, South Asia, U.S. Institute of Peace   For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/indias-perceptions-chinas-nuclear-advancement  

On January 30, USIP and the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy hosted a conversation reflecting on the history and legacy of religious engagement in peacebuilding. The discussion examined key accomplishments, assessed global trends, and explored bold new strategies for strengthening diplomacy, security and peacemaking through religious engagement. Speakers Kirsten EvansFormer USAID Director of the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships under the Trump AdministrationDouglas M. Johnston, Ph.D.Founder and President Emeritus, International Center for Religion and Diplomacy Palwasha KakarActing Director, USIP, Religion and Inclusive Societies Program David Little, Ph.D.Professor Emeritus, Harvard Divinity School and Former Senior Scholar, Religion, Ethics and Human Rights, USIP Peter Mandaville, Ph.D.Former USAID Director of the Center for Faith-Based & Neighborhood Partnerships under the Biden AdministrationMartine MillerInterim President, International Center for Religion & Diplomacy   For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/bridging-divides-power-religious-engagement-global-diplomacy  

On January 23, USIP hosted a conversation with leading Vietnamese and U.S. experts on what the next year might hold for Vietnamese politics, society and external relations — including how the country’s partnerships with the United States and other powers have affected development.  Speakers Hai Hong NguyenFulbright Scholar, American University Lena LeFulbright Scholar, Stimson Center Dien LuongPh.D. Student, University of Michigan; Visiting Fellow, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore Mark SidelUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison and International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) Andrew Wells-Dang, moderatorSenior Expert, Southeast Asia, U.S. Institute of Peace   For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/outlook-vietnam-2025  

As America prepares to inaugurate Donald J. Trump as the 47th president, the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) was proud to host Passing the Baton 2025: Securing America’s Future in an Era of Strategic Competition on January 14. This flagship, bipartisan event brought together national security leaders from across the political spectrum to mark the peaceful transfer of power and the bipartisan character of American foreign policy. Passing the Baton: Strategies for Success The Honorable Michael WaltzNational Security Advisor-designate of the United States The Honorable Jake SullivanNational Security Advisor of the United States Stephen J. Hadley, moderatorFormer National Security Advisor   For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/passing-baton-2025  

As America prepares to inaugurate Donald J. Trump as the 47th president, the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) was proud to host Passing the Baton 2025: Securing America’s Future in an Era of Strategic Competition on January 14. This flagship, bipartisan event brought together national security leaders from across the political spectrum to mark the peaceful transfer of power and the bipartisan character of American foreign policy. Panel Discussion: Mobilizing Technology, Old and New James Carafano, Ph.D.Senior Counselor to the President and E.W. Richardson Fellow, The Heritage Foundation The Honorable Tarun ChhabraDeputy Assistant to the President and Coordinator for Technology and National Security, The White House Mariano-Florentino (Tino) CuéllarPresident, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Kiron K. SkinnerTaube Family Chair Professor, Pepperdine University; W. Glenn Campbell Research Fellow, Hoover Institution; Advisor to the President, The Heritage Foundation Ambassador Adrian Zuckerman, moderatorOf Counsel, DLA Piper   For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/passing-baton-2025  

As America prepares to inaugurate Donald J. Trump as the 47th president, the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) was proud to host Passing the Baton 2025: Securing America’s Future in an Era of Strategic Competition on January 14. This flagship, bipartisan event brought together national security leaders from across the political spectrum to mark the peaceful transfer of power and the bipartisan character of American foreign policy. Panel Discussion: Advancing American Prosperity and Security Representative Brian MastChairman, House Foreign Affairs Committee Representative Gregory MeeksRanking Member, House Foreign Affairs Committee Fred KempePresident and CEO, Atlantic Council   For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/passing-baton-2025  

As America prepares to inaugurate Donald J. Trump as the 47th president, the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) was proud to host Passing the Baton 2025: Securing America’s Future in an Era of Strategic Competition on January 14. This flagship, bipartisan event brought together national security leaders from across the political spectrum to mark the peaceful transfer of power and the bipartisan character of American foreign policy. Panel Discussion: Harnessing Economics and Trade Matthew P. GoodmanDistinguished Fellow, Director of the Greenberg Center for Geoeconomic Studies, and Director of the CFR RealEcon Initiative Josh LipskySenior Director, GeoEconomics Center, Atlantic Council Ambassador Carla Sands, moderatorVice Chair, Center for Energy and Environment, America First Policy Institute   For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/passing-baton-2025  

As America prepares to inaugurate Donald J. Trump as the 47th president, the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) was proud to host Passing the Baton 2025: Securing America’s Future in an Era of Strategic Competition on January 14. This flagship, bipartisan event brought together national security leaders from across the political spectrum to mark the peaceful transfer of power and the bipartisan character of American foreign policy. Welcome and Introduction Ambassador George MooseActing President, U.S. Institute of Peace Keynote Address: Ensuring Strategic Stability Admiral Gary Roughead (Ret.)Former Chief of Naval Operations; Robert and Marion Oster Distinguished Military Fellow, Hoover Institution, Stanford University  The Honorable Kathryn Wheelbarger Member, Board of Directors, U.S. Institute of Peace  

On December 5, USIP hosted a conversation with U.S. Special Advisor on International Disability Rights Sara Minkara on how the United States can lead a disability-inclusive response to conflict, as well as the International Disability Rights Playbook, which will be launched in January.  Speakers Sara MinkaraSpecial Advisor on International Disability Rights, U.S. Department of State Ambassador George Moose, introductory remarksActing President and CEO, U.S. Institute of PeaceElizabeth Murray, moderatorSenior Advisor, Peacebuilding and Inclusion, U.S. Institute of Peace   For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/disability-rights-and-peacebuilding-playbook-better-inclusion  

On December 3, USIP and Roots of Peace hosted a critical conversation on the intersection between food security, climate change and conflict resolution. International experts discussed the nexus of food security, climate and conflict; the role of agriculture in peacebuilding; and how farmers and producers can be essential partners for sustainable peace. A fireside chat then explored the practical steps and challenges to integrating agricultural solutions into peacebuilding efforts. Fireside Chat Heidi KühnFounder, Roots of Peace Ambassador George Moose, moderatorActing President and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace   For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/peace-through-agriculture  

On December 3, USIP and Roots of Peace hosted a critical conversation on the intersection between food security, climate change and conflict resolution. International experts discussed the nexus of food security, climate and conflict; the role of agriculture in peacebuilding; and how farmers and producers can be essential partners for sustainable peace. How Agriculture Contributes to Peace Katy CrosbySenior Director, U.S. Policy and Advocacy, MercyCorps Matthew NimsDirector of Washington Office, World Food Programme Ann VaughanDeputy Assistant Administrator, USAID Bureau for Resilience, Environment, and Food Security Mona Yacoubian, moderatorVice President, Middle East and North Africa Center, U.S. Institute of Peace   For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/peace-through-agriculture  

On December 3, USIP and Roots of Peace hosted a critical conversation on the intersection between food security, climate change and conflict resolution. International experts discussed the nexus of food security, climate and conflict; the role of agriculture in peacebuilding; and how farmers and producers can be essential partners for sustainable peace. Food Security, Climate and Conflict Michael T. FrankenU.S. Navy Vice Admiral (Ret.), Co-Lead, Defense Science Board Study on Climate Changer and Global Security Laura PavlovicSenior Deputy Assistant Administrator, USAID Conflict Prevention and Stabilization Gloria SteeleFormer Acting Administrator, USAID Tegan Blaine, moderatorDirector, Climate, Environment and Conflict, U.S. Institute of Peace   For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/peace-through-agriculture  

On December 3, USIP and Roots of Peace hosted a critical conversation on the intersection between food security, climate change and conflict resolution. International experts discussed the nexus of food security, climate and conflict; the role of agriculture in peacebuilding; and how farmers and producers can be essential partners for sustainable peace. Speakers Ambassador George Moose, welcoming remarksActing President and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace Ambassador Kenneth M. Quinn, keynote remarksPresident Emeritus, The World Food Prize Foundation   For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/peace-through-agriculture  

Last year, the world celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday agreement that ended prolonged violence and ushered in a new era of peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland. This year, we honor a crucial element that continues to uphold the vision of peace envisioned by the Good Friday Agreement: Strand 2 implementation bodies. On November 19, USIP and the U.S. State Department hosted officials and chief executives from the Strand 2 bodies for a conversation that reflected on their achievements, ongoing challenges, the U.S. role in supporting the Good Friday agreement, and how lessons from these bodies can be applied to other post-conflict zones across the world.  Speakers Ambassador William Taylor, introductory remarksVice President, Russia and Europe Center, U.S. Institute of Peace Senator George Mitchell, welcoming remarks (pre-recorded)Former U.S. Senator and Special Envoy for Northern Ireland Joe Kennedy IIIU.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, U.S. Department of State Panel 1: Northern Ireland, Looking Back, Looking Ahead Sharon Hudson-Dean, moderator Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, U.S. Department of State Joe Kennedy IIIU.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, U.S. Department of State Fionnuala QuinlanDeputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Ireland Nick AltonPolitical Counselor, British Embassy Richard CushnieDirector, Northern Ireland Bureau Panel 2: Lessons Learned for the Strand 2 Implementation Bodies Anthony Soares, moderatorDirector, Centre for Cross Border Studies  Gina McIntyreChief Executive Officer, Special EU Programme Body John McDonaghChief Executive Officer, Waterways Ireland Sharon McMahonChief Executive Officer, Loughs Agency Professor Duncan MorrowDirector of Community Engagement, Ulster University  Sharon Hudson-Dean, closing remarksDeputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, U.S. Department of State   For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/northern-ireland-looking-back-looking-ahead  

On November 8, USIP and the Institute of Current World Affairs (ICWA) hosted a presentation of journalist Aron Ouzilevski’s research on how anti-war Russian exiles have adapted to their new lives, followed by a discussion about what the future might hold. Speakers Aron OuzilevskiInstitute of Current World Affairs Fellow and Journalist Lyubov SobolRussian Opposition Politician Anna VedutaDirector of Strategic Communication, Free Russia Foundation Gregory Feifer, moderatorExecutive Director, Institute of Current World Affairs   For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/new-lives-russians-exile  

On November 7, USIP’s hosted its annual “First in War, First in Peace” conversation. Named in honor of George Washington, who was famously eulogized as “first in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen,” this annual series was created to engage and learn from our miliary veterans. This year’s program explored our military’s recent contributions in conflict and post-conflict areas and examine how stability and democracy can lead to better peace and security in a region. Speakers Nancy Zirkin, welcoming remarksVice Chair, Board of Directors, U.S. Institute of Peace Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky, introductory remarksExecutive Director, George Washington Presidential Library Maura HenniganBrigadier General, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, U.S. Marine Corps Dr. Carolyn WashingtonColonel (Retired), U.S. Army; Adjunct Professor, Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Florida State University Keith Mines, moderatorVice President, Latin America Program, U.S. Institute of Peace   For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/first-war-first-peace-2024  

The 30th issue of Conciliation Resources’ Accord publication series, “Still Time to Talk: Adaptation and Innovation in Peace Mediation,” brings together practitioners, policymakers, analysts and activists from around the world to explore innovative ways to strengthen mediation processes going forward. On October 31, USIP and Conciliation Resources hosted a discussion of “Still Time to Talk: Adaptation and Innovation in Peace Mediation.” Speakers Sasha Pippenger, moderator Acting Director, Peace Processes, U.S. Institute of Peace Teresa Whitfield Former Director, Policy and Mediation Division, U.N. Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs; Editor, “Still Time to Talk: Adaptation and Innovation in Peace Mediation”Sean Kane Contributing Author, “Still Time to Talk: Adaptation and Innovation in Peace Mediation” Meredith Preston McGhie Secretary General, Global Centre for Pluralism Yun Sun Senior Fellow, Stimson Center Alexander Ramsbotham Director of Research and Innovation, Conciliation Resources Tyler J. ThompsonSenior Advisor, Negotiations Support Unit, U.S. State Department, Bureau of Conflict & Stabilization Operations   For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/still-time-talk-adaptation-and-innovation-peace-mediation  

In Colombia, more than 100,000 people have disappeared over the course of the country’s six decades of ongoing armed conflict. On October 21, USIP and the Embassy of Colombia hosted a public presentation on the Missing Persons Search Unit’s remarkable forensic and restorative work, as well as the launch of "Still Missing: Colombia's Search for the Disappeared from Six Decades of Ongoing Conflict," a temporary photo exhibit at USIP that details the unit’s search efforts. Speakers Daniel García-Peña, opening remarksColombian Ambassador to the United States Luz Janeth Forero Director, Missing Person Search Unit Major (retired) Cesar MaldonadoTruth Provider as Former Colombian Army Officer Daniela Mostacilla Family Member of Forced Disappearance Victim Leyner Palacios Senior Expert on Restorative Justice, Colombia, U.S. Institute of Peace Dr. Beth Van Schaack, closing remarksAmbassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice, U.S. Department of State Steve Hege, moderatorColombia Country Director, Colombia, U.S. Institute of Peace   For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/searching-colombias-missing-persons  

Twenty-three years ago, the Bougainville Peace Agreement ended the deadliest conflict in the South Pacific since World War II after a decade of fighting. The hard-won peace in what is now the Autonomous Region of Bougainville — made up of Papua New Guinea’s easternmost islands — has been regarded as a rare success story among contemporary peace processes. However, Bougainville’s political future remains unresolved. On October 18, USIP hosted a conversation about the implementation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement and what the peace process’s uncertain future might mean for peace and security in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea and the broader region. Speakers Gordon Peake, Ph.D., moderatorSenior Advisor, Pacific Islands, U.S. Institute of Peace James TanisFormer President, Autonomous Region of Bougainville Kevin PullenFormer Strategic Adviser to the Chief Secretary, Government of Papua New Guinea; PhD Candidate, Department of Pacific Affairs, Australian National University Camilla PohleSenior Program Specialist, Pacific Islands, U.S. Institute of Peace   For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/sustaining-peace-bougainville  

Curbing corruption in Latin America requires more than just top-down institutional reforms — it requires the active engagement of citizens across the region. On October 15 and 16, USIP held three webcasts exploring how to empower citizens to hold local officials accountable, how to use restorative mechanisms to repair the harms suffered by vulnerable communities, and how to mobilize the private sector against the unfair practices that stifle competition. International experts shared lessons learned around the world and discussed replicating these initiatives in Guatemala, where the government has made fighting systemic corruption a national priority. The Private Sector Case for Collective Action Against Fraud Panelists Mike DenlyAssistant Professor, Bush School of Government and Public Service, Texas A&M University; Executive Director, Lab for Economic Development Research  Welby LeamanSenior Director for Global Government Affairs, Walmart Tanya KhavanskaHead of Business Integrity Programme, Anti-Corruption Network for Eastern Europe and Central Asia Lisa Kristin MillerHead, Integrity Compliance, Integrity Vice Presidency, World Bank Group Frank Brown, moderatorDirector, Anti-Corruption and Governance Center, Center for International Private Enterprise   For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/mobilizing-latin-american-citizens-against-corruption