Operational Diplomacy: The Missing Link
Abstract
Many of the current difficulties with planning and coordination of American nonmilitary efforts around the world stem in part from failure of the United States, specifically the Department of State, to plan and execute credible regional approaches to diplomacy and economic pluralism in support of United States National Strategy. Analysis of agencies involved with foreign policy shows that regional combatant commands have grown to incorporate almost all of the requirements and aspects of national power -- diplomatic, informational, military, and economic operations, while civilian foreign policy planning and execution capability has withered. This operational level capability is unique to the military; there is no similar civilian structure for planning and execution of foreign policy. This paper discusses the problems that arise as State is not capable of fully executing its foreign policy mission, and the U.S. military is not properly trained or structured to execute all of the "softer" components of national power. The primary focus is on the Departments of State and Defense in their roles of planning and executing American foreign policy. A review of recommendations for reforming the civilian aspects of our agencies, especially the Department of State, is provided. Recommendations are made to create legislation similar to the Defense Reorganization Act of 1986 to help transform the Department of State through a coordinated approach to create a structure and cadre designed to plan, coordinate, and execute foreign policy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 31, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA494263
Entities
People
- Robert B. Floersheim
Organizations
- Naval War College