Harnessing Post-Conflict Transitions: A Conceptual Primer

Abstract

Today's security environment undoubtedly tests the boundaries of conventional international and military responses to persistent interstate conflict. New challenges are continuously emerging that pose vexing dilemmas and question the assumptions of actors engaged in post-conflict stability operations. Furthermore, recent experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan suggest that the often-indistinct concept of transition urgently requires a greater collective understanding by all actors participating in stability operations. As operations move toward a "clear, hold, build, transition" strategy, a widely accepted and understood definition is necessary to unite U.S. military, interagency, and multinational planners to foster greater collaboration and unity of effort. To evaluate transition strategies and make recommendations for future stability operations, researchers and policymakers require both a common understanding and way ahead for advancing the concept as a critical doctrinal and operational objective. This monograph offers an unparalleled analysis on current research and available tools for transition in post-conflict situations. The authors make a significant contribution to the field by providing a broadly applicable definition of transition and a comprehensive assessment of the existing approaches and literature on the topic. Most importantly, their analysis lays the groundwork for future conceptual development and improved implementation of post-conflict transitions.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2010
Accession Number
ADA530372

Entities

People

  • Jacqueline Chura-beaver
  • Nicholas J. Armstrong

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Engineered Resilient Systems
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Department Of State
  • Economic Systems
  • Failed States
  • Governments
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Law
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • International Security
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Nongovernmental Organizations
  • Political Systems
  • Public Policy
  • Recreation
  • Sociopolitics
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Strategic Security Studies
  • Systems Analysis and Design