Reconstruction & Vital Infrastructure
Abstract
Since the end of the Cold War, the United States has engaged in a new post-conflict rebuilding operation every 18 months on average (Orr, 2004, p. X). The demands on the United States to respond to the needs of failing states, countries emerging from conflict, or regions recovering from natural disasters are likely to continue. The Reconstruction and Vital Infrastructure (R&VI) Industry is best viewed within three distinct markets: (1) Post-conflict reconstruction, such as the rebuilding of Iraq and Afghanistan following combat operations. (2) Development of failed or failing states, such as the nation building efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa and Central Asia; and (3) Disaster Relief, such as the humanitarian actions following Hurricane Katrina and the South Pacific Tsunami. Although the R&VI industry is robust and prosperous, and competition among service and sector providers in the industry is high and increasing, there are significant challenges and risks that require sound strategic planning and leadership to set the conditions for success for clients, customers, and the providers themselves. This paper captures a comprehensive five-month study of the reconstruction and vital infrastructure industry. It seeks to define the industry, current conditions, and trends. It explores challenges and risks, especially those associated with the transformation of the U.S. Government. This paper provides several recommendations to overcome challenges and shape a positive future, and four essays provide deeper analysis of relevant topics.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA475090
Entities
People
- Aarne Ermus
- Anthony R. Baity
- Carmen Eldridge
- David J. Randle
- Debra D. Daniels
- Gail Forest
- James F. Ferguson
- Patrick J. O'connor
- Robert Coffman
- William Davisson
Organizations
- Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy