The United States Institute of Peace is an independent, nonpartisan, national institution established and funded by the U.S. Congress. The institute s goals are to help prevent and resolve international conflicts; promote post-conflict stability and democratic transformations; and increase peace-building capacity, tools and intellectual capital worldwide. It plays an active role in the prevention, management and resolutions of threats to international peace. The U.S. Institute of Peace has provided on-the-ground operational support in various zones of conflict, including Afghanistan, the Balkans, Colombia, Indonesia, Iraq, Liberia, Nigeria, Philippines, Rwanda and Sudan. The institute also sponsors leadership summits and strategic conferences. It aims to educate the public through informative events, documentary films, radio programs and outreach activities. The U.S. Institute of Peace is based in Washington, D.C.