OVERVIEW OF POPP
The Peace Operations Policy Program (POPP) was established in 1994 to explore and understand the uses of military, humanitarian, and political forces in the conduct of multinational peace operations. 

As part of George Mason University's School of Public Policy, POPP offers a Master of New Professional Studies (MNPS) degree in Peace Operations. This program explores global conflict resolution, both from theoretical and pragmatic perspectives, with particular emphasis on current events.

Course work in this interdisciplinary program is augmented by extensive research, which may be presented to policymakers at the United Nations and other multilateral agencies. Program participants have played critical roles in advising peace actions in Bosnia, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

In addition to academic work, POPP faculty and staff engage in research (including ongoing development of the Conceptual Model of Peace Operations) and in practical application (including evaluation of conflict resolution programs in Liberia and Rwanda).

MISSION
Advance the body of knowledge and understanding about peace operations by simultaneously achieving high standards in three areas:

• Education: Offer a program of graduate-level courses, taught by an experienced and recognized faculty and expert guest lecturers, that meets the needs of the professional community, and through which students can achieve an academic degree and/or a professional certificate.
   
• Research: Conduct original, objective, rigorous research that contributes to the body of useful knowledge on peace operations, and which is reported in scholarly journals and professional publications.
   
• Practice: Engage in practical projects that produce benefits in the field while simultaneously contributing to both the education and research goals described above.

VISION
A university-based institution recognized as a leader in the study of peace operations that provides consistently high-quality professional education; conducts rigorous, relevant, original research; and engages in field activities that produce results and demonstrate effective practices.

By attaining and taking advantage of the synergy among these activities, develop and disseminate a comprehensive body of theory and best practices to support the work of policy makers, practitioners, and other scholars.