History is littered with examples where the inability to stabilize a nation at the conclusion of military operations has led to even more complex problems. Read more...

This paper argues that foundational work already accomplished toward better military civilian coordination over the past ten years of stability operations must continue. Read more...

A few important point that emerge from this monograph deserve special attention. The disparity in resources for personnel between USAID and DoD, a persistent barrier to effective coordination, makes it extremely difficult for USAID to have the float for training with our military colleagues. Read more...

The U.S., Europe and regional African players must tackle drug smuggling in West Africa to prevent that region from falling into chaos. Today, West Africa is a significant nexus for the illegal trafficking of oil, weapons, cigarettes, drugs and other commodities. Read more...

As U.S. participation in the counter insurgency (COIN) operations in Iraq and in Afghanistan enter a new and much more limited phase, one unanswered question remains: What defines victory in a counter insurgency? Read more...

Transportation is the “web of union”, and sustainability of systems relies upon political will. Sustainable transportation is the result of intentional policy at the strategic level and potentiates unified governance and economic growth. This paper proposes that a long term vision and for key principles of sustainable transportation are critical to success in establishing and operating transportation systems. Read more...

The purpose of this paper is to provide a platform for the broader Civil Affairs community to communicate to important opinion leaders in the Executive and Legislative branches, as well as key military commands and institutions what it thinks the way ahead should be for Civil Affairs, utilizing experienced operators rather than just the usual Think Tank approach. Read more...

In this study, Professor Raymond Millen has identified a persistent challenge in U.S. efforts to provide effective security cooperation and capacity building with fragile and failing states – the realm of ministerial advising. From his research and analysis, Professor Millen concludes by recommending the establishment of a professional ministerial corps. Read more...

The U.S. Army has always worked among people in areas of conflict. In recent times, the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) are wrestling with what human security means, how military operations impact it, and what can be done to mitigate the harm. This primer is published to inform those within DOD working in this area, whether commanders, planners or curious soldiers and civilians. Read more...

Maritime Stability Operations – China: Bullying Their Way Into the Arctic -The US Geological Survey estimates that the Arctic holds approximately 90 billion barrels of undiscovered oil which is about 13 percent of global estimates and 30 percent of the Earth’s undiscovered natural gas.[i] This increase in regional shipping and resource mining may cause regional instability in the Arctic as China, Russia, and the United States and its Arctic State partners compete to ensure their interests are attended to in this newly marketable portion of the Arctic.

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