Institute Programs and Initiatives

Outgoing national security adviser Samuel "Sandy" Berger and newly appointed national security adviser Condoleezza Rice share some thoughts during the "Passing the Baton" reception.

Through fellowships, grants, and in-house research, the Institute mobilizes the best talent from around the globe to provide policymakers with creative options to prevent, manage, and resolve international conflicts. Working with the leading thinkers from government, academia, and nongovernmental organizations, the Institute over the years has gained a reputation for the quality of its independent research and policy assessments available to policymakers, researchers, and the public.

Through its work on the ground in the Balkans and in other areas the Institute has also played an important role in the development of crisis management strategies for dealing with and resolving conflicts. This has included fostering and facilitating "track two" (unofficial) dialogues among key parties as well other activities in support of initiatives by U.S. policymakers, international organizations, and nongovernmental organizations.

The Research and Studies Program develops and disseminates useful knowledge regarding the prevention, management, and peaceful resolution of current and specific conflicts. Through small working groups, public meetings, and written products, Research and Studies acts as a bridge between academia and the policy community.

The Rule of Law Program seeks to build upon and refine principles on the rule of law articulated by various international bodies and to provide practical guidance for their implementation. A longstanding area of work for the Institute, the program is based on the premise that adherence to the rule of law entails far more than the mechanical application of legal technicalities.

The Grant Program offers financial support for research, education and training, and the dissemination of information on international peace and conflict resolution. One of the Institute's oldest programs, the Grant Program over the years has supported numerous academic research projects, education and training programs, and public education initiatives.

The Jennings Randolph Program for International Peace enables outstanding scholars, policymakers, journalists, and other professionals to conduct research on important issues concerning international conflict and peace. Since 1987, the program has established itself as one of the nation's premier fellowship programs for research on international conflict management and peacebuilding.

Beginning in the Balkans in the mid-1990s, the Institute has applied theories of conflict management to practical activities of prevention and management of conflict in conflict zones abroad, especially Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Philippines. Institute-wide efforts involve training of political and civil society leaders in the skills of conflict management, promotion of the rule of law and promotion of dialogue among parties in conflict.

From time to time the Institute's Board of Directors authorizes special initiatives to address issues of particular concern. Designed to enhance synergies among the Institute's other research, education, and training programs, special initiatives have become an invaluable tool in the Institute's work on the prevention, management, and abatement of international conflicts.