Improving Security Cooperation in the Western Balkans
Abstract
In the post-9/11 global security environment it is a foregone conclusion that it's much more cost effective, in both blood and treasure, to build and support effective governance in foreign nations than it is to allow them to fail. After more than two centuries of ethnic violence and a decade and a half of genocide and civil war, the western Balkans remain at risk of becoming failed states. The region is strife with narcotics trafficking, organized crime, religious fundamentalism, and terrorism. Allowing failing and failed states to foment transnational terrorism through inability or inaction incurs great risk and future cost. As such, it is in the interest of the United States to assist the western Balkans in improving internal security and bringing the rule of law to ungoverned areas. An objective analysis of the situation in the western Balkans combined with the analysis of EUCOM's Theater Cooperation Strategy Plan (TSCP) shows that EUCOM has done a commendable job in progressing toward the desired end state of stability in the Balkans. That being said, there is significant room for improvement, especially in the arenas of information operations and strategic communications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 05, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA476763
Entities
People
- Timothy L. Simonson
Organizations
- Naval War College