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 major 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 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.
 

Assisted by Council of Experts
The program is the base for the International Council for Conflict Resolution (see list of members). This small body of internationally recognized experts offers advice and assistance in mediating conflict and promoting peace.  


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 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 program's conflict prevention work in Venezuela and Guyana.)
 
(Read about the Center's nuclear nonproliferation initiatives.)

(Read more about resolving conflicts in a Q&A with Program Director Matthew Hodes.)