 Peace builders and conflict managers come in many shapes and sizes. Some are officials working in government institutions. Some are military and civilian police working to bring security in the face of violence. Some are humanitarian aid workers providing relief in societies torn by conflict. These peace builders put their lives at risk to settle violent conflicts and promote justice and reconciliation. Their tenacious efforts exemplify the commitment of the U.S. Institute of Peace to support and encourage international peace building. The programs of the Institute engage many groups and individuals from government agencies, the U.S. military, international organizations and civilians in conflict zones around the world. We identify the best ways to manage conflicts and train professionals in the skills and hard work of peace building. Through the personal stories of individuals, we can better understand the causes of conflicts, approaches to controlling violence and techniques to bring people together.