The world is experiencing a 25-year peak in violent conflict, trapping millions of innocent families in cycles of poverty and displacement and leading to costly and prolonged U.S. military and humanitarian responses. With over 170,000 Texans currently serving in the armed services around the world, these conflicts hit close to home all too often. Since 9/11, 612 Texans have made the ultimate sacrifice in foreign wars in conflict-affected countries. In 2016, only 2 percent of official development assistance to fragile countries was dedicated to conflict prevention. Yet, we know these programs work: they enhance security and promote stability that can break devastating cycles of violence.

Preventing Conflict

On the evening of February 20, 2019 we invite you to join the World Affairs Council of Austin as we present Preventing Conflict: The Role of Diplomacy and Development in Reducing Insecurity. Mercy Corps Vice President of Policy and Research, Dafna Rand, will moderate a discussion with former Texas A&M University Dean and Ambassador Ryan Crocker, former chancellor of the University of Texas system and Retired Admiral William McRaven, and Mercy Corps Middle East Deputy Regional Director Ghilda Chrabieh. Our panelists have spent their careers at the highest levels of the U.S. government and on the frontlines of conflict zones working to prevent and resolve deadly violence through diplomacy, defense, and humanitarian and development work. They will share reflections from their experiences working in complex environments and offer ideas for preventing violent conflict globally.

This special Preventing Conflict forum is presented by Mercy Corps, World Affairs Council of Austin, and Austin Community College Center for Peace & Conflict Studies.  You may register for the event here.