U.S. Support for UN Peacekeeping: Areas for Additional DOD Assistance

Abstract

Abstract : Over last decade, and particularly following attacks of September 11, 2001, Pentagon has increasingly viewed failed states, also referred to as or ungoverned spaces, as a threat to U.S. national security and recognized importance of peacekeeping to U.S. interests. As one senior defense official put it, the U.S. government is committed to making peacekeeping work. 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) states The Department [of Defense] stands ready to increase its assistance to United Nations Peacekeeping Operations in areas of Department's expertise such as doctrine, training, strategic planning and management. Yet, as Department of Defense (DOD) recognizes importance of under- and ungoverned spaces and need for stability operations, it is overstretched by war on terror and combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Thus, any role to support peacekeeping will have to be limited and perhaps even deferred. That said, more that can be done now, less U.S. forces will have to do in future. U.S. Government (USG) entities beyond DOD, particularly Department of State (DOS) and National Security Council (NSC), must also be involved in effort to support peacekeeping. This report addresses primarily those areas in which limited DOD involvement will provide multiplier benefits to U.S. security.