Setting the Conditions for the Rule of Law During Military Interventions
Abstract
Establishing the rule of law is a critical component of the national strategic end state for any U.S. military intervention in a foreign nation. Although U.S. policy recognizes that civilian organizations, and the State Department in particular, are best suited to develop the rule of law in post-conflict societies, the military Joint Force Commander wields the most influence over the eventual direction and pacing of post-conflict rule of law development by virtue of his position, authority and capability at the moment of intervention and the instability immediately thereafter. Lacking the sophisticated capabilities and insights of the civilian organizations, the Joint Force Commander must nevertheless plan and conduct his initial intervention to dominate the operational environment with due regard for the requirements of the follow-on civilian rule of law development program to set the conditions for that program's success. He can best accomplish this by incorporating interagency counterparts, host-nation experts and relevant NGO and private legal actors within his planning process, ensuring the maintenance of civil order immediately upon arrival in the operational area, and preparing his forces to act in a supporting role for the rule of law force by assessing and securing key infrastructure and personnel.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 27, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA484483
Entities
People
- Peter R. Hayden
Organizations
- Naval War College