The Peace Commons
RESOURCES FOR ANALYZING CONFLICT AND BUILDING PEACE
Introduction
The Peace Commons provides a curated collection of long- and short-form publications, featuring research and reports, tools and guides, analysis and commentary, and policy recommendations originally published by the U.S. Institute of Peace. These resources are useful to a wide range of audiences, including practitioners, policymakers, researchers, communities affected by conflict, and others seeking credible knowledge to support conflict analysis and prevention.
Resources & Publications
Research & Reports
Sustaining the Nuclear Peace: On the Urgent Need for a New Strategy for Stability
There is no more potentially devastating threat to global peace than nuclear conflict. As President Trump argues, the consequences of a nuclear war would be catastrophic. In the whirl of day-to-day affairs, the prospect of nuclear war can seem remote… Read more
Research & Reports
Assessing India’s Perceptions of China’s Nuclear Expansion
China’s ongoing expansion of its nuclear arsenal may be aimed at eventually achieving nuclear parity with the United States. But regardless of the rationale, China’s nuclear expansion, along with possible changes to its nuclear doctrine, are of great Read more
Research & Reports
Australia's Strategic Thinking on the War in Ukraine, NATO, and Indo-Pacific Security
Russia’s war against Ukraine has spurred closer cooperation between Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific states and organizations, particularly Australia and NATO, signaling a deepening of ties that could have long-term benefits for global security. Over the Read more
Analysis & Commentary
Protecting Water Infrastructure During War
The weaponization of water resources is among the most devastating tools used in violent conflict. And while this tactic has been pervasive throughout history, it’s on the rise. State and non-state actors across the globe are increasingly exploiting the Read more
Research & Reports
Pathways to Reconciliation: How Americans and Vietnamese Have Transformed Their Relationship
The road to reconciliation between the United States and Vietnam has not been a straight or easy one. In the years following the Vietnam War, citizen diplomats—veterans, families of the missing, humanitarians, Vietnamese Americans, and others—led the way Read more
Analysis & Commentary
More States Are Vying to Mediate Conflict — What Does it Mean for Global Peace?
Unsurprisingly, the conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East and Sudan dominated discussions among world leaders at the recent U.N. General Assembly. So did calls to reform and strengthen the international system, reflecting shifting global power dynamics Read more
Tools & Guides
Gender Inclusive Framework and Theory
The Gender Inclusive Framework and Theory (GIFT) guide is an approachable and thorough tool that facilitates the integration of gender analysis into project design. Because peacebuilding work is context dependent, the GIFT puts forth three approaches to Read more
Tools & Guides
Peacebuilding Toolkit for Educators - Middle School Edition
The Peacebuilding Toolkit for Educators is designed to support the work of educators as peacebuilders. We believe that young people have tremendous capacity, as individuals and as a community, to learn about and contribute to international conflict… Read more
Tools & Guides
Synergizing Nonviolent Action and Peacebuilding
This action guide seeks to build bridges between peacebuilding and nonviolent action practitioners so that methods are used strategically and effectively on the path toward conflict transformation. It shows how dialogue, direct-action skills, and… Read more