New Report, Center for Strategic and International Studies, An Expanded Mandate for Peace Building The State Department Role in Peace Diplomacy, Reconstruction, and Stabilization

An Expanded Mandate for Peace Building The State Department Role in Peace Diplomacy, Reconstruction, and Stabilization
http://www.csis.org/component/option,com_csis_pubs/task,view/id,547...
Author:
Dane F. Smith Jr.
Publisher:
CSIS
Date of Publication:
April 30, 2009
Associated Programs:
Post-Conflict Reconstruction
Related Research Focus:
Post-Conflict Reconstruction
Experts :
Frederick D. Barton
Karin von Hippel

Synopsis:
This first of two related reports examines the evolution of peace building in the U.S. State Department. It begins with a sketch of the role of diplomacy in peace building. It reviews the leadership role of the secretary of state. It proceeds to an examination of multi-bureau involvement in the reconstruction and stabilization efforts in Afghanistan and Iran. It assesses the central role of individual geographic bureaus in particular conflicts and the special peace-building tasks of several functional bureaus. The bulk of the report is devoted to a description and evaluation of the Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization. The author concludes that traditional peace-building diplomacy, led by the geographic bureaus, has been uneasily and incompletely yoked with the work of the Coordinator’s Office, and he advances suggestions for reform.

Dane F. Smith Jr. is a senior associate with the CSIS Post-Conflict Reconstruction Project, an adjunct professor at American University, and a senior fellow with the Joint Forces Staff College. Previously, he served as president of the National Peace Corps Association (1999–2003), as U.S. ambassador to Senegal (1996–1999), as special presidential envoy for Liberia (1995–1996), as U.S. ambassador to Guinea (1990–1993), and as deputy chief of mission in Sudan (1989–1990) and Botswana (1984–1986).

http://www.csis.org/component/option,com_csis_pubs/task,view/id,547...