Conflict Mitigation & Peacebuilding

Even before the war in Ukraine, violent conflict was at its highest point since World War II and driving a massive forced displacement crisis. Peacefulness around the world has deteriorated in 11 of the past 14 years, mirroring declines in democracy. Conflict and fragility impose a massive human toll—in addition to conflict deaths, lack of stability drives displacement, increases disease and malnutrition, contributes to early child marriage and labor, and destroys livelihoods. Climate change compounds these impacts and vulnerabilities, exacerbating conflict risks. Conflict also has an economic cost: estimates place the cost of violence in 2021 at $16.5 trillion, or approximately 10% of the world’s economic activity. Conflict and fragility threaten U.S. national security and prosperity and undermine longstanding U.S. investments in global health and development. Given the costs of conflict, Congress and the Administration have agreed that investments in conflict prevention are vital.

U.S. assistance works to prevent violent conflict, mitigate its impacts, and facilitate peaceful resolution, including through supporting women’s participation in peace processes and conflict resolution, good governance, rule of law, mediation, conflict management practices, and programs to prevent violent extremism.

Fast Facts

• Conflict drives 80% of humanitarian needs.
• 1.9 billion people live in fragile contexts, including 73% of the world’s extreme poor.
• Three-quarters of all maternal deaths globally occur in fragile contexts.
• USAID has supported roughly 330 peacebuilding projects across 42 countries, awarding more than $230 million in grants for “people-to-people” reconciliation programs.

Key U.S. Legislation, Strategies & Programs

Legislation:

• Global Fragility Act
• Women, Peace, and Security Act
• Elie Wiesel Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act of 2018

Strategies:

• U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability
• 2022 United States Strategy to Anticipate, Prevent, and Respond to Atrocities

Programs:

• USAID Office of Transition Initiatives
• USAID Conflict Prevention programs
• Complex Crisis Fund
• Department of State (DoS) Negotiation Support Unit and Peace Process Implementation