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Centers & Programs

Center for Preventive Action

The Center for Preventive Action (CPA) aims to help policymakers devise timely and practical strategies to prevent and mitigate armed conflict around the world, especially in places that pose the greatest risk to U.S. interests.  CPA accomplishes this by commissioning in-depth reports, convening meetings of experts, and consulting with representatives of governments, international organizations, civil society groups, corporations, and the media. The center’s Global Conflict Tracker informs the general public about threats to international peace and security by providing a reliable and regularly updated online source of information about ongoing conflicts.

About the Program
2022 saw the most conflict-related fatalities in the last 30 years with 237,000 people killed due to organized violence

Featured

NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)

Reverberations From Ukraine
The war in Ukraine marks a new era of instability in Europe. Countering Russia’s efforts will require a stronger, more coordinated NATO.

Report by Andrea Kendall-Taylor June 12, 2024 Center for Preventive Action

Conflict Prevention

Conflicts to Watch in 2024
For CFR’s annual Preventive Priorities Survey, U.S. foreign policy experts assessed the likelihood and impact of thirty potential conflicts that could emerge or escalate in 2024.

Report by Paul B. Stares January 4, 2024 Center for Preventive Action

Wars and Conflict

Global Conflict Tracker
The Center for Preventive Action’s Global Conflict Tracker is an interactive guide to ongoing conflicts around the world of concern to the United States.

Interactive February 22, 2023 Center for Preventive Action

Terrorism and Counterterrorism

Preventing U.S. Election Violence in 2024

Violence around U.S. elections in 2024 could not only destabilize American democracy but also embolden autocrats across the world. Jacob Ware recommends that political leaders take steps to shore up civic trust and remove the opportunity for violence ahead of the 2024 election season.

Contingency Planning Memorandum by Jacob Ware April 17, 2024 Center for Preventive Action

Russia

Leadership Change in Russia
Vladimir Putin’s grip on power in Russia does not appear as ironclad as it once did. Liana Fix and Maria Snegovaya recommend that the United States prepare for potential leadership change in Moscow and develop response strategies with its allies to mitigate fallout. 

Contingency Planning Memorandum by Liana Fix and Maria Snegovaya February 15, 2024 Center for Preventive Action

Conflict Prevention

What to Worry About in 2024

Play
Panelists discuss potential and ongoing crises that may erupt or escalate in 2024, as well as their global political implications. This event will explore the results of the 2024 Preventive Priorities Survey, which will be available on CFR’s website on Thursday, January 4, 2024.

Virtual Event with Lee A. Feinstein, Mary Beth Long, David Miliband, Paul B. Stares, Juju Chang and Michael Froman January 9, 2024 Center for Preventive Action

Middle East and North Africa

Climate Change and Regional Instability in the Middle East
The Middle East has suffered from protracted instability in recent decades, and climate-related disasters compound existing suffering. Marwa Daoudy argues that the United States and its partners should center mitigation efforts in assistance to the region. 

Report by Marwa Daoudy October 31, 2023 Center for Preventive Action

Climate Change

Climate, Conflict, and COP28: The Burden on Unstable Regions
In Dubai, leaders should focus their attention on policy solutions for vulnerable regions where climate change is amplifying the consequences of armed conflict and compounding failures of governance.

Article by Natalie Caloca December 1, 2023

Conflict Prevention

Averting Major Power War
Although no two major powers have openly fought in over three-quarters of a century, growing tensions between the United States, China, India, and Russia threaten renewed conflict. CFR’s Paul B. Stares argues a new logic—“mutual assured survival”—could keep the peace.

Report by Paul B. Stares February 27, 2023 Center for Preventive Action

Climate Change

Climate Security and Instability in the Bay of Bengal Region
The countries on the Bay of Bengal already face some of the world’s most severe natural disasters, and climate change will likely make things worse. Sarang Shidore argues the United States should partner with regional organizations to increase mitigation efforts.

Report by Sarang Shidore April 19, 2023 Center for Preventive Action

Program Experts

Program Director

Paul B. Stares

General John W. Vessey Senior Fellow for Conflict Prevention and Director of the Center for Preventive Action

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