Science & Technology
What is the U.S. Institute of Peace and why is Trump trying to shut it down?
- Founded during the Cold War to project American soft power and foreign policy expertise, the federally funded nonprofit think tank is now in the White House's crosshairs.
The U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP), established by Congress in 1984, is an independent, nonpartisan federal institution aimed at preventing, mitigating, and resolving international conflicts. It provides research, analysis, education, and training to promote peace and stability worldwide. Recently, former President Donald Trump has targeted USIP for closure, arguing that it represents unnecessary government spending. Critics of Trump's move, including USIP supporters, argue that the institute plays a crucial role in fostering peace and preventing conflicts, which ultimately saves lives and reduces the need for more costly military interventions. They highlight USIP's work in conflict zones like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Colombia, where it has helped in peace negotiations and post-conflict stabilization. The debate over USIP's funding and existence reflects broader discussions on the effectiveness and necessity of soft power institutions in U.S. foreign policy.
Read the Full KPBS Article at:
[ https://www.kpbs.org/news/politics/2025/03/18/what-is-the-u-s-institute-of-peace-and-why-is-trump-trying-to-shut-it-down ]
Read the Full KPBS Article at:
[ https://www.kpbs.org/news/politics/2025/03/18/what-is-the-u-s-institute-of-peace-and-why-is-trump-trying-to-shut-it-down ]
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