Working at the Intersection of Peacebuilding, Policy & Education for 100 years
Since 1924, the Institute of World Affairs has been working to bring together individuals and communities to better understand and resolve conflict. This includes cutting-edge research on the practice and effectiveness of international peacebuilding as well as on-the-ground initiatives to bring local communities, business leaders, and government representatives together in constructive dialogue.
Professional development programs and web-based learning initiatives designed for diplomats and staff of international organizations help bridge the divide between learning and practice. Roundtable discussions, conferences, and workshops bring together policy experts, community leaders, and decision makers.
Announcement: Newly Awarded Grant
With generous funding from the Whittier, California-based BCM Foundation, the Institute of World Affairs (IWA) is launching a pilot “Training of Trainers” project on conflict resolution and reconciliation for staff at six Boys and Girls Clubs in Southern California and Hawaii.
Led by IWA Education Program Director, Dr. Joyce Kaufman, the project will provide training for staff from each Club on implementation of a curriculum developed by IWA for children ages six through eleven that focuses on such topics as communication, violence prevention, empathy, and conflict transformation.
The curriculum aligns closely with the Boys and Girls Clubs’ objective to reinforce and promote social-emotional learning (SEL) among young people.
This after school program will be carried out in the summer of 2026 and includes a robust monitoring and evaluation component.
Women, Peace and Security Research Tool & Case Studies
The Institute of World Affairs maintains a research tool designed to provide easy access to information available on the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. This comprehensive tool includes data from NGO, government, the UN, and other sources. In our “Spotlight Series” we include sample case studies that illustrate ways in which the data can be used. IWA plans to review and update this information on a continuous basis.
Internships at IWA
The Institute of World Affairs (IWA) offers internship opportunities to qualified graduate students. Internships are typically semester-long but may be extended under special circumstances. While there is no financial remuneration, IWA interns often receive academic credit from their home institution. The program is highly selective, with two or three students accepted each semester. All internship correspondence should be directed to Dr. Joyce P. Kaufman, Director of Internships, Institute of World Affairs at jkaufman@iwa.org.