Peace and Stability Operations: Challenges and Opportunities for the Next U.S. Administration


 

Publication Date: April 2008

Publisher: Better World Campaign; Henry L. Stimson Center

Author(s): William J. Durch

Research Area: International relations; Military and defense

Keywords: International security; Presidential transition; Peacekeeping

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

The next U.S. Administration will face serious questions of resource allocation regarding peace and stability operations, whose responsibilities range from cease-fire observation to temporary governance, where political authorities have collapsed or departed. They are often complex mixes of civilian and military action.

The United States, despite its status as the world's greatest economic and military power, has found it not only useful but necessary to undertake these operations in the company of others--coalitions, alliances, regional groupings, and global institutions--in support of a stable peace.