Peaceful Prevention of Deadly Conflict

If war is not the answer, what is?

War and peace The practical instruments of negotiation, aid, and development assistance, the psychological instrument of respect for human dignity and equality, and the political instruments of human, juridical, and civil rights provide a
more effective, just, and moral answer.

Highlights of FCNL's October 2008 report to Congress on the responsiblity to prevent deadly conflict. Download the full report (PDF).
More about the peaceful prevention of deadly conflict and what Congress can do to build structures for peace (PDF). Order copies of these booklets.
Three things Congress can do to build the peace toolbox.
More answers to "If war is not the answer, what is?"

The Responsibility to Prevent

FCNL's October 2008 report to Congress on "The Responsibility to Prevent" proposes a plan to build robust U.S. civilian agencies that can better prevent wars. Download the report (PDF).

More about the report.

See a coalition letter from FCNL and other peace groups asking President-Elect Obama to make conflict prevention and civilian protection part of U.S. foreign policy.

Kenya
Source: Manoocher Deghati/IRIN

Congress Invests in Peace

The ability of the United States to help prevent and resolve conflicts was strengthened when Congress included legislation to create a civilian response corps in the 2009 military authorization bill in late September. See more about this recent success.

This civilian effort strengthens the U.S. ability to prevent and resolve violent conflicts, creating teams that could be sent to crisis-torn countries to help provide basic services. FCNL has been lobbying for this effort as one of five things Congress can do now to build structures for peace.

Find out more.

Take Action

FCNL's Work on Peaceful Prevention

Peacebuilding and Peacekeeping

UN-U.S. Relations

Conventional Weapons Control

Nuclear Disarmament

Federal Budget Priorities

Building Structures for Peace

Three Steps Congress Can Take to Build the Peace Toolbox

(Print out as a flyer)

1. Diplomacy: Rebuild the Diplomatic Corps

In 2009 Congress should provide funding to hire and train 1,000 new foreign service officers who can be deployed to conflict zones.

2. Development: Reform Foreign Aid

Urge your representative to double funding for core development assistance accounts from
$4.4 billion to $8.8 billion and to focus foreign assistance on long-term development.

3. International Cooperation: Fund the United Nations

In 2009 Congress should repay the nearly $1.6 billion in U.S. debt to the United Nations and end the restriction on paying this country’s full share of peacekeeping costs.

Reviewed: 11/25/2008



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