As we look toward the next eight decades—or even the next five years—we wonder how to remain brave and constant amid deep partisan divides, ongoing horrors of war, racism, xenophobia, and an environment in crisis. Being still during some of our most trying times has enabled us to hear, recalibrate, and think deeply, instead of being strictly reactionary.
Studies have shown that peacebuilding and conflict prevention is not only effective but is also cost-efficient. The Institute for Economics and Peace found that every dollar invested in peacebuilding “carries a potential $16 reduction in the cost of armed conflict.” However, U.S. support for this work has been persistently underfunded.
Congress came to an agreement last weekend to keep the government running for 45 more days. Now, they have just over six weeks to pass spending bills that protect and invest in key peace and justice programs.
Peacebuilding is a long-term, often generational process that addresses the underlying causes of violent conflict. It seeks to resolve injustices through nonviolent approaches.
Ellie Kline was FCNL’s 2024-2025 Program Assistant for Peacebuilding, assisting the team in advocating for sustainable and nonviolent U.S. foreign policy.
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