Brookings: Topics - Peace Corps

International Volunteer Service: A Smart Way to Build Bridges

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Obama has proposed expanding the Peace Corps and building a global network of volunteers. To achieve this goal, David Caprara, Kevin F. F. Quigley and Lex Rieffel examine alternative service models and offer policy recommendations to the Obama Administration to further enhance U.S. volunteer opportunities with the goal of strengthening America’s multilateral development engagements.

International Service and the Obama Administration

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Obama has stated his commitment to enhancing service and volunteer opportunities for Americans both at home and abroad. David Caprara, the director of Brookings’s Initiative on International Volunteering and Service, explores the administration’s agenda in this Q&A.

A Better Place for the Peace Corps

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Peace Corps, although the standard of excellence for international volunteering, remains constrained by budget issues and low numbers of volunteers. In a recent World View article, Lex Rieffel proposes the creation of a Corporation for International Study and Service that includes the Peace Corps as one solution and outlines potential benefits.

Ten Times the Peace Corps: A Smart Investment in Soft Power

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Reversing the negative attitudes toward the United States that prevail in many parts of the world will require a mix of hard power and soft power instruments. Brookings Fellow Lex Rieffel and National Peace Corps Association President Kevin F. F. Quigley provide recommendations for scaling up the Peace Corps and argue that such an effort could contribute measurably to strengthening America’s relations with the rest of the world.

Global Service Fellowships: Building Bridges through American Volunteers

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

David L. Caprara, John Bridgeland, and Harris Wofford argue that as policy-makers search for ways to share the best of America with the world, they should start with our international volunteers, who embody this country's spirit of generosity, resourcefulness and hope. With the support of Congress and the Bush Administration, volunteers can become the first face of America to communities in many nations, while advancing concrete initiatives that lift up the lives of the poor throughout the world.

The Best Diplomats: American Volunteers

Sun, 07 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Editorial by David Caprara in the Washington Post, advocating volunteerism as effective public diplomacy.

International Volunteering: Smart Power

Thu, 01 Jun 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Lex Rieffel and Sarah Zalud argue that Americans engaging in volunteer work in other countries encourage more favorable attitudes among foreigners toward America and generate greater understanding among Americans of foreign perspectives. A more robust cross-cultural dialogue could make the United States less dependent on hard power, which has high budget costs.

Reaching Out: Americans Serving Overseas

Wed, 07 Dec 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Working Paper by Lex Reiffel (12/7/05)

Reconsidering the Peace Corps

Mon, 01 Dec 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Policy Brief #127: ""Reconsidering the Peace Corps"" by Lex Rieffel. (December 2003)

The Peace Corps in a Turbulent World

Wed, 15 Oct 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Working Paper by Lex Rieffel, Global Poverty Reduction Initiative (10/15/03)