Peacemaking: Implications for the US Army

Abstract

Abstract : As the 1990s begin, the Cold War has ended and the US Army is reevaluating its role in a rapidly changing world. While the threat of global conflict has been reduced, in some ways the world is less stable. Threats to US interests are likely to occur in a variety of regional crisis settings. One response to such crises includes peacemaking. This monograph first examines the post-cold war environment in which a peacemaking response may be appropriate. The evolution of concepts inherent in peacemaking is then evaluated. This review includes the strategic policy of intervention, UN peacekeeping, and early US army doctrine. Current doctrine at Army and joint levels is then evaluated. In the analysis, historical factors are compared with those found in current doctrine to find areas where improvement can be made. The monograph concludes that peackekeeping is a long-term process requiring broad multiagency cooperation and a careful balance of the elements of nation power. The military element contributes primarily in the initial stages of peacemaking by focusing on gaining and sustaining stability. The monograph also concludes that improvements can be made to existing doctrine for peacemaking.