Striking the Appropriate Balance: Revisiting the Role of the Military in Economic Reconstruction
Effective and sustainable state-building requires a balanced application of all instruments of foreign assistance, particularly defense, diplomacy and development (the 3Ds).
Effective and sustainable state-building requires a balanced application of all instruments of foreign assistance, particularly defense, diplomacy and development (the 3Ds). Recent U.S.-led efforts to promote state-building in Iraq and Afghanistan have occasioned a gradual expansion of the military's role in non-kinetic activity, such as economic reform. This has raised concerns about "mission creep" in the military and a possible militarization of foreign assistance. Advocates of "smart power" call for a judicious use of the 3Ds. During her confirmation hearings in January 2009, Secretary of State Clinton promised a balanced approach that would use "the full range of tools at our disposal — diplomatic, economic, military, political, legal, and cultural — picking the right tool, or combination of tools, for each situation." Dr Reuben Brigety examined some implications of what has been described as the Defense Department's expanding role in U.S. foreign assistance in his March 18, 2009 testimony before the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the U.S. House of Representatives. He discussed challenges and opportunities created by the military's increasing non-kinetic opportunities and offered recommendations for a more balanced approach involving the USAID, the State Department and the Defense Department. This event will identify and explore practical measures that could better prepare relevant U.S. agencies for more productive state-building interventions. Lessons from operations in Iraq, the Balkans and parts of Africa will help illustrate and substantiate the panel's recommendations.
Speakers
- Dr. Reuben Brigety II
Director, Sustainable Security Program, Center for American Progress - Ambassador Charles P. Ries
Former U.S. Minister for Economic Affairs and Coordinator for Economic Transition in Iraq - Colonel Thomas Dempsey (U.S. Army, retired)
Professor of Security Sector Reform, U.S. Army Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute - Colonel Pedro Almeida (U.S. Army)
Director, U.S. Africa Command Liaison Office - Dr. Raymond Gilpin, Moderator
Associate Vice President, Sustainable Economies, U.S. Institute of Peace
