Coordination within Peacebuilding Institutions: Three Case Studies from Reconstruction Efforts in Brcko, Bosnia
Abstract
The status of the Bosnian municipality of Brcko was the "toughest of all issues at Dayton." Now seen as an unqualified success of American peacebuilding efforts in the Balkans, is the U.S. Brcko experience a model for inter-organizational coordination during future peacebuilding efforts? Most literature addressing the organization of peacebuilding institutions focus on the approach to stability and reconstruction. This study is unique in applying the emerging literature on interagency cooperation to peacebuilding. A theory emerges that there exists a coordination balance which allows for greatest efficiency and increased likelihood of reaching desired outcomes, whereas limited coordination increases the potential for unintended outcomes and excessive coordination constrains agencies and leads to rivalries among partners. This theory is tested through a comparative analysis of three case studies from early reconstruction efforts in Brcko. Given recent attention focused on the perceived failures of reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the peacebuilding experience in Brcko presents a better model for the organization of future peacebuilding endeavors.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 13, 2014
- Accession Number
- AD1024454
Entities
People
- Roger C. Webb
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College