Rebalancing the Military Role in U.S. Foreign Policy
Abstract
While the Department of State (DoS) is charged with leading foreign affairs efforts for the United States, the Department of Defense (DoD) has in recent years gained greater influence in this realm, resulting in what has been characterized as a militarized foreign policy. This is the result of a rise in influence of Combatant Commanders (CCDRs), a migration of nontraditional roles to DoD, and cutbacks to DoS that have impacted the department's effectiveness internationally. After reviewing the arguments that illustrate why a militarized foreign policy is problematic, this strategic research paper discusses the need for change in how foreign policy is managed. It acknowledges the significant institutional changes currently underway at the national level, and focuses primarily upon how these might be used to lay a solid foundation for the restructuring of foreign policy execution at the regional level. It reviews several options for such changes, and advocates from these that the Geographic Combatant Commands (GCCs) be transformed into DoS-led Regional Engagement Teams (RETs), thereby ensuring that foreign policy execution is rebalanced in favor of civilian control, and that international engagement is distributed appropriately across various U.S. Government departments.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 19, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA500629
Entities
People
- James M. Forand
Organizations
- United States Army War College