Mission:
To analyze the implications of the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan since 2001 in terms of human casualties, economic costs, and civil liberties.

Background:
A nonpartisan initiative based at Brown University's Watson Institute for International Studies, the Costs of War Project aims to provide a broad outline of the domestic and international costs and consequences of the U.S. wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan since the 9/11 attacks. Launched in 2011, the site publishes reports and provides updated data and analysis on the human, economic, and social and political costs of the wars, compiled and updated by economists, anthropologists, lawyers, humanitarian personnel, and political scientists at universities around the world.

Outstanding Web Features:
Visitors to the site can check the latest figures on civilians, opposition forces, U.S. and allied forces, contractors, humanitarian aid workers, and journalists who have been killed or wounded; learn about the impact on U.S. veterans and their families; or explore key findings about the millions of internally displaced persons and refugees who have had to flee the fighting. Visitors also can access a breakdown of $4.4 trillion in federal spending and obligations, including money allocated to veterans services and the Pentagon, homeland security, and foreign assistance budgets, as well as read about the effects on the U.S. economy, including lost jobs, the macroeconomic impact of military spending, and spending on infrastructure and public investment. The site also explores the social costs of the wars, such as the erosion of human rights and civil liberties; environmental costs; and costs to educational institutions in Iraq and the U.S. In addition, visitors can download academic papers about each topic or browse recommendations for increasing transparency around the wars.