Peacekeeping and Conflict Transitions: Background and Congressional Action on Civilian Capabilities
Abstract
The State Department's new Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization (S/CRS) is intended to address longstanding concerns, both within Congress and the broader foreign policy community, over the perceived lack of the appropriate capabilities and processes to deal with transitions from conflict to sustainable stability. These capabilities and procedures include adequate planning mechanisms for stabilization and reconstruction operations, efficient interagency coordination structures and procedures in carrying out such tasks, and appropriate civilian personnel for many of the nonmilitary tasks required. Effectively distributing resources among the various executive branch actors, maintaining clear lines of authority and jurisdiction, and balancing short- and long-term objectives are major challenges for designing, planning, and conducting post-conflict operations. Established in July 2004, S/CRS has moved rapidly to establish the concepts, mechanisms, and capabilities necessary to carry out such operations. Currently working with a staff of under 40, most detailed from other agencies, S/CRS has taken steps to monitor and plan for potential conflicts, to develop the first phase of a rapid-response crisis management capability, to improve interagency and international coordination, to develop interagency training exercises, and to help State Department regional bureaus develop concepts and proposals for preventive action. The first session of the 109th Congress has moved cautiously in funding S/CRS and its activities. Congress first funded S/CRS in the spring of 2005 in action on FY2005 supplemental appropriations. It provided $7.7 million of the requested $17.2 million. The Administration's FY2006 budget request included $24.1 million for the creation of 54 new S/CRS positions and the establishment of a 100-person ready-response cadre.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 26, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA487292
Entities
People
- Martin A. Weiss
- Nina M. Serafino
Organizations
- Library of Congress