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Chapter IV. Work with Others to Defuse Regional Conflicts

 Section C.  The Way Ahead - 3.  Post-Conflict Stabilization and Reconstruction

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             Once peace has been restored, the hard work of post-conflict stabilization and

             reconstruction must begin.  Military involvement may be necessary to stop a bloody

             conflict, but peace and stability will last only if follow-on efforts to restore order and

             rebuild are successful.  The world has found through bitter experience that success often

             depends on the early establishment of strong local institutions such as effective police

             forces and a functioning justice and penal system.  This governance capacity is critical to

             establishing the rule of law and a free market economy, which provide long-term stability

             and prosperity.

             

             To develop these capabilities, the Administration established a new office in the

             Department of State, the Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization,

             to plan and execute civilian stabilization and reconstruction efforts.  The office draws on

             all agencies of the government and integrates its activities with our military's efforts.  

             The office will also coordinate United States Government efforts with other governments

             building similar capabilities (such as the United Kingdom, Canada, the EU, and others),

             as well as with new international efforts such as the U.N. Peacebuilding Commission.

 

National Security Strategy 16

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