International Outreach: Objectives and Opportunities

S/CRS coordinates U.S. Government efforts to strengthen cooperation in the field of reconstruction and stabilization with key international partners, including the United Nations, regional organizations like the European Union and NATO, and bilateral partner countries. Cooperation with international partners helps to establish a common international frame of reference, to enhance our ability to operate effectively in a multilateral context, and to build global capacity to conduct reconstruction and stabilization missions. S/CRS develops and implements strategies to achieve these goals collaboratively, building on U.S. experience in responding to conflict and drawing on the experience of partner countries and organizations that share the same objectives.

Enhancing Early Warning and Planning:

S/CRS actively engages with partner countries and organizations, including the EU, NATO, and the UN, to exchange on a regular basis perspectives regarding potential conflict areas and response strategies.

Planning for crisis prevention and post-conflict response with international partners helps to develop effective intervention and response strategies that leverage the strengths of key partners and make the most efficient use of total international resources by avoiding duplication of efforts. In March 2008 the United States and the EU concluded a “U.S.-EU Technical Dialogue and Increased Cooperation in Crisis Management and Conflict Prevention Work Plan,” which provides a framework for cooperative activities to advance common civilian crisis management objectives. Similarly, the U.S. is working closely with NATO Allies to promote a Comprehensive Approach that will improve application of NATO’s crisis management instruments and enhance practical cooperation with other actors in support of reconstruction and stabilization efforts.

Improving Coordination of Operations:

Through ongoing exchanges with key international, regional, and bilateral actors, S/CRS promotes and facilitates efforts to ensure effective and efficient use of human and material resources for international reconstruction and stabilization operations. This is particularly true for operations where the U.S. and other international actors have personnel on the ground in the same country. To strengthen further our ability to work closely with international partners in crisis response environments, S/CRS participates in training exercises that include participants and observers from international organizations and partner countries. S/CRS also welcomes the attendance of international personnel at training courses in reconstruction and stabilization that S/CRS delivers in collaboration with the State Department’s Foreign Service Institute.

Strengthening Global Capacity:

Leading U.S. Government efforts to develop reconstruction and stabilization strategies to work with international partners, S/CRS promotes and supports the development of international coordination mechanisms to strengthen global peace support capabilities. This includes working collaboratively not only multilaterally with the UN and other international governmental and non-governmental organizations, but also bilaterally to enhance national capacities to contribute to international reconstruction and stabilization and conflict prevention efforts.