Excerpt: The Department of Defense (DOD) has long played a role in U.S. efforts to assist foreign populations, militaries, and governments. The use of DOD to provide foreign assistance stems in general from the perception that DOD can contribute unique or vital capabilities and resources because it possesses the manpower, materiel, and organizational assets to respond to international needs. Over the years, Congress has helped shape the DOD role by providing DOD with its mandate for such activities through a wide variety of authorities.
Peacekeeping Reports
Below you will find a compilation of reports related to international peacekeeping, including the latest and most relevant research and information from PEP Partners and Academics, as well as the UN, U.S. Government and Foreign Governments.
Note: The PEP report library is a “comprehensive compilation in progress.” We encourage PEP Partners to submit relevant reports for inclusion on the site.
The Latest Reports
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The Department of Defense Role in Foreign Assistance: Background, Major Issues, and Options for CongressPublished December 9, 2008Security Sector Reform, All Regions | Posted December 9, 2008
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The Department of Defense Role in Foreign Assistance: Background, Major Issues, and Options for CongressPublished December 9, 2008All Regions, US Gov't Peacekeeping Issues | Posted December 9, 2008
Excerpt: The Department of Defense (DOD) has long played a role in U.S. efforts to assist foreign populations, militaries, and governments. The use of DOD to provide foreign assistance stems in general from the perception that DOD can contribute unique or vital capabilities and resources because it possesses the manpower, materiel, and organizational assets to respond to international needs. Over the years, Congress has helped shape the DOD role by providing DOD with its mandate for such activities through a wide variety of authorities.
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United Nations Peacekeeping: Issues for CongressPublished November 13, 2008All Regions, UN Peace Operations, US Gov't Peacekeeping Issues | Posted November 13, 2008
Excerpt: A major issue facing the United Nations, the United States, and the 110th Congress is the extent to which the United Nations has the capacity to restore or keep the peace in the changing world environment. Associated with this issue is the expressed need for a reliable source of funding and other resources for peacekeeping and improved efficiencies of operation.This report serves as a tracking report for action by Congress on United Nations peacekeeping.
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Candide in Congo: The Expected Failure of Security Sector Reform (SSR)Published September 1, 2008Africa, Security Sector Reform | Posted September 1, 2008
From Afghanistan to the Central African Republic, through Haiti and Guinea Bissau, 'failed' or fragile states have finally turned out to be much more resilient than planned to the Security Sector Reforms (SSR) and other imported reforms of governance. Their ability to let any reform coming from abroad sink, to block or twist such initiatives strongly contrasts with the weakness of their human and financial resources. The example of the Democratic Republic of Congo illustrates the difficulties which are inherent to the concept of SSR.
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FY2008 Spring Supplemental Appropriations and FY2009 Bridge Appropriations for Military Operations , International Affairs, and Other Purposes (P.L. 110-252)Published July 15, 2008All Regions, US Gov't Peacekeeping Issues | Posted July 15, 2008
Excerpt: On June 30, 2008, President Bush signed into law a bill, H.R. 2642 (P.L. 110-252), that makes supplemental appropriations for FY2008 and FY2009, extends unemployment payments, and expands veterans’ educational benefits. The House approved the measure on June 19 and the Senate on June 26. As enacted, the bill reflects compromises with the White House on several key issues. It extends unemployment benefits for 13 weeks but not 26, allows veterans’ educational benefits to be transferred to dependents, does not include an offsetting tax increase, limits other domestic spending, and delays implementation of six, rather than seven, new Medicaid rules. The amended bill also drops most Iraq-related policy provisions that had been in earlier versions. In all, the bill provides $183.5 billion in supplemental appropriations, including $2.65 billion of newly added funds to respond to Midwest floods. Extended unemployment benefits are estimated to cost a net of $10 billion over ten years and enhanced veterans educational benefits $63 billion.This CRS report, RL34451, reviews congressional action on remaining FY2008 and additional FY2009 supplemental funding.
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Report of the Security Council mission to Djibouti (on Somalia), the Sudan, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Côte d’Ivoire, 31 May to 10 June 2008Published July 15, 2008Africa, UN Peace Operations | Posted July 15, 2008
Abstract: The present report of the Security Council mission to Africa from 31 May to 10 June 2008 has five sections, covering the Council’s visits to Djibouti (on Somalia), the Sudan, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Côte d’Ivoire, respectively. Each section ends with specific recommendations to the Security Council, the parties involved and the international community. The present report follows the briefing to the Council by the heads of the Security Council mission to Africa on 18 June 2008.
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U.S. Civil-Military Imbalance: Lessons from the Operational Level in AfricaPublished July 1, 2008Africa | Posted July 1, 2008
Excerpt: The civil-military imbalance has particular ramifications for Africa. The U.S. military’s new Africa Command (AFRICOM) is poised to become the dominant influence over U.S. policy on the continent. AFRICOM should focus on two unashamedly military/political roles that will strengthen peace and security in Africa. Doing a few things well in Africa, and doing the right thing in Africa, can have a positive impact on 53 UN member states, help uplift 80% of the world’s poorest people, and win friends and influence in the most under-governed continent in the world. If the establishment of AFRICOM, the strengthening of the State Department’s Africa Bureau and USAID programs in Africa can be seen to produce positive results, the effort could serve as a model for U.S. global engagement.
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Overview of the Authorization-Appropriations ProcessPublished June 17, 2008All Regions, US Gov't Peacekeeping Issues | Posted June 17, 2008
Excerpt: A primary avenue for exercising Congress’s power of the purse is the authorization and appropriation of federal spending to carry out government activities. While the power over appropriations is granted to Congress by the U.S. Constitution, the authorizationappropriation process is derived from House and Senate rules. The formal process consists of two sequential steps: (1) enactment of an authorization measure that may create or continue an agency or program as well as authorize the subsequent enactment of appropriations; and (2) enactment of appropriations to provide funds for the authorized agency or program.
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Capstone Doctrine: United Nations Peacekeeping Operations: Principles and GuidelinesPublished January 18, 2008Peacekeeping Doctrine, Protection of Civilians, All Regions, UN Peace Operations | Posted January 18, 2008
Excerpt: Over the past six decades, United Nations peacekeeping has evolved into a complex, global undertaking. During this time, the conduct of United Nations peacekeeping operations has been guided by a largely unwritten body of principles and informed by the experiences of the many thousands of men and women who have served in the more than 60 operations launched since 1948. This document captures these experiences for the benefit and guidance of planners and practitioners of United Nations peacekeeping operations.
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Stabilization and Reconstruction: Actions Are Needed to Develop a Planning and Coordination Framework and Establish the Civilian Reserve CorpsPublished November 1, 2007All Regions, US Gov't Peacekeeping Issues | Posted November 1, 2007
Excerpt: A review of the Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization's (S/CRS’s) efforts to improve (1) interagency planning and coordination for stabilization and reconstruction operations, and (2) the deployment of civilians to these operations.
