Peace Programs

War and civil strife continue to be the most significant impediments to sustainable development and basic human rights. Devastation from such conflicts has impoverished countries in every region, in many cases wiping out the achievements of decades of development. The Conflict Resolution Program focuses on preventing, resolving, and ending armed conflict. Often with other Carter Center programs, we also work on post-conflict peacebuilding.
 
The program monitors many of the world's political crisis areas and armed conflicts to better understand their histories, the primary actors involved, disputed issues, and efforts being made to resolve them. When we become involved in resolving conflicts, we address their underlying causes to prevent any resurgence of violence.

Middle East

The Carter Center observed Palestinian elections in 1996, 2005, and 2006. The Center maintains a small presence in Jerusalem and Ramallah focused on the ongoing monitoring and analysis of critical issues on conflict mitigation and democratic development.  Public reports on these issues help to provide the U.S. public and the international community with current and factual information on the continued obstacles to peace. Read More….

View webcast: Carter Center Hosts Discussion on Middle East Peace and Private Screening of "Man From Plains" >>

Liberia

The Carter Center has a long history of commitment to Liberia.  Past activities have included high-level direct mediation and assistance to mediators, capacity building for civil society, observation and support of the 1997 and 2005 elections, and support for human rights, civil society, and the media following the 1997 elections. The Center remains engaged in Liberia through long-term projects aimed to help the Ministry of Justice and traditional organizations strengthen the rule of law, particularly in rural areas. Read more…

 


Implementing Peace Agreements
An end to fighting does not always mean a conflict has been resolved completely. The sometimes protracted processes that lead to a peace agreement represent the beginning of an even longer process of peace implementation and post-conflict reconciliation. Bringing former combatants together to forge a shared future demands patient, persistent efforts.

President Carter brokered an agreement in 1999 to end rebel violence that put the governments of Uganda and Sudan at odds. The program worked intensively for four more years, however, to implement the agreement. 

(Read about other past peacemaking efforts in Nepal, Israel/Palestine, Liberia, and Haiti.)

 

Preventing Conflict
While direct negotiation to resolve armed conflict is the program's major focus, there also is a strong emphasis on preventing conflict. A series of minor crises can signal or contribute to deteriorating societal and political stability. In such situations, parties in dispute often seek a neutral third party to facilitate dialogue that can avert conflict.

(Read about the Center's past work in Venezuela, Guyana, and nuclear nonproliferation initiatives.)