Security Cooperation: An Old Practice for New Times
Abstract
This monograph addresses the current security cooperation structure in the U.S. Military and U.S. Government within the context of recent strategic guidance. This guidance calls for a whole-of-government approach to building partner capacity. Much of the current security cooperation structure, organization, and funding authorities were developed over the course of the Cold War. They were initially created to build the defense capability of allies and security partners against the threat of Soviet expansion. The current strategic environment, in contrast to the Cold War era, includes threats from transnational and subnational actors. Terrorism and insurgency have moved from the periphery to the forefront of security concerns. This monograph examines two case studies at the geographic combatant command level (AFRICOM and SOUTHCOM) to evaluate their organizational structures and interagency processes within this new context. The monograph then examines the new DoD funding authority, Section 1206, to determine its utility as a model for future security cooperation funding initiatives. The monograph finds that the requirements for Department of State and Department of Defense collaboration under Section 1206 foster the type of interagency cooperation advocated in recent strategic guidance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 23, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA589722
Entities
People
- Nicholas R. Simontis
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College