Untapped Power: Leveraging Diversity and Inclusion for Conflict and Development

Untapped Power provides extensive insight into why and how to advance diversity, equity and inclusion when promoting development, and addressing fragility and violent conflict.

Urgent challenges relating to diversity and inclusion are universal. The global #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter movements as well as the push for LGBTQ+ rights are all emblematic of a growing interest in and focus on how to better embrace and capitalize on diversity. Yet these social movements exist alongside renewed efforts to constrain minority rights and stem immigration around the world. In Untapped Power, Carla Koppell has assembled a leading group of scholars, policy makers, researchers, and activists to provide a comprehensive overview for understanding and navigating these countervailing forces, so that we can build a more peaceful and inclusive world. This book synthesizes theory, research, and analysis to show why an enduring global commitment to diversity and inclusion is essential, and how to advance that agenda in practical terms. It considers major scholarly theories and analytical frameworks underlying the case for a focus on diversity and inclusion; analyzes diversity trends and movements for inclusion; outlines specific strategies and approaches for promoting inclusion throughout peacebuilding and development processes; and discusses priorities to advance the agenda through research, advocacy, financial investments, and programming. A guide to one of the most pressing issues in world politics, this book will be essential for anyone working in the fields of global development, conflict resolution, or peace building.

Carla Koppell has worked in every region of the world to advance global development and build peace. Currently, she is with Georgetown University, teaching and serving as both a Senior Advisor for diversity, equity, and inclusion for the School of Foreign Service and as a Distinguished Fellow with the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace, and Security. Previously, she served in the Obama and Clinton Administrations.