Economics and Development

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has enormous economic potential thanks to its rich mineral deposits and vast tracts of arable land. Historically, these resources have been exploited by predatory leaders and a host of subregional actors. The time is now ripe for the DRC to put years of war and economic underdevelopment behind it.

The Asia Foundation will release findings from its fifth public opinion poll, "Afghanistan in 2009: A Survey of the Afghan People," the most comprehensive survey conducted in all 34 of Afghanistan’s provinces.

USIP's Daniel Brumberg joined a panel of guest speakers, including Congressman Keith Ellison, for a lively discussion of USIP's new volume "Conflict, Identity, and Reform in the Muslim World."

The political and socio-cultural position of women in Afghanistan is in transition, particularly in the urban areas of the country. Advances have been made to include women in peacebuilding efforts, as noted by the recently adopted Constitution that grants equal rights for men and women, and as more and more women engage in entrepreneurial activities.

Born out of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), the government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) has established itself as a functioning entity but also faces significant difficulties. On October 2, USIP hosts two GoSS ministers for a discussion about Southern Sudan's progress, internal and external challenges, and the road ahead as Sudan approaches the 2010 national elections and 2011 referendum.

USIP's David Smock explores the factors underlying and perpetuating the militancy in the oil-rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria. In this report, based on an 11-day trip to Nigeria in late August 2009, Smock analyzes the prospects for the amnesty process, and why stronger political processes and economic development could help address the roots of the conflict there.

Amid the global financial crisis, USIP explores the Treasury Department's current functions and resources as a foundation to more effectively strengthen financial institutions and combat illicit finance in non G-20 countries. USIP's Jeremy Pam describes how the Treasury Department might be better organized to play a greater strategic role in international affairs that addresses financial crises in developing countries and, in doing so, serves U.S. national security interests.

The deadly conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed the lives of millions and appears to have no end.  A new USIP report provides context to this protracted war, assesses current approaches and presents new options on how to resolve it.