Peacekeeping and Stability Operations

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As part of peacekeeping efforts, stability operations—post-conflict military efforts to bring peace and security to a region or country—represent an ongoing challenge for both military planners and civilian policymakers. RAND research has provided effective strategic recommendations in many such operations, helping those involved in unified stabilization, peacekeeping and security, transition, and reconstruction.

Research conducted by: RAND National Security Research Division; RAND Arroyo Center; RAND Project AIR FORCE

Featured at RAND

Rethinking Counterinsurgency to Respond to the Evolving Jihadist Insurgency

Despite great technological and military advances, British and U.S. counterinsurgency (COIN) operations have been slow to respond and adapt to the rise of the global jihadist insurgency. Operational failures have highlighted the need for the West to rethink and retool its current COIN strategy.

News Releases (16)

Conflict with al Qaeda Will Continue Into Its Third Decade, Although Tactics May Change — Feb 16, 2012

While al Qaeda's capacity for large-scale attacks has been drastically reduced and the organization seriously weakened, the United States can expect to continue its battle with the terrorist group for many years to come.

Negotiated Peace in Afghanistan Is a Complex, but Feasible Goal — Aug 17, 2011

A sustained focus on Afghanistan at all levels of the U.S. government is needed for the United States to make the most of its limited influence on the complex Afghan peace process.

Future of NATO Alliance May Hinge on War in Afghanistan — Nov 19, 2010

The "Americanization" of NATO's mission in Afghanistan may prove crucial to the future of Afghanistan, but the alliance could suffer long-term harm by being relegated to the position of junior partner to the United States.

Failed Strategy to Halt Pakistan-Based Militant Groups Has Helped Lead to Rising Number of U.S. Terror Plots — Jun 21, 2010

The rising number of terrorist plots in the United States with links to Pakistan – most recently the failed car-bombing in New York City – is partly a result of an unsuccessful strategy by Pakistan and the U.S. to weaken the range of militant groups operating in Pakistan.

How Insurgencies End; Key Indicators, Tipping Points, and Strategy — Apr 22, 2010

From the lessons of the Vietnam War to the recent downfall of the Tamil Tigers in Southeast Asia, conflicts between insurgencies and governments tend to follow certain patterns as they arc toward their endings.

Records From Coalition Provisional Authority Shed Light on Occupation of Iraq — May 12, 2009

The record of the U.S.-led Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) in Iraq after the fall of Saddam Hussein compares favorably to that of many other U.S. efforts at post-conflict reconstruction, particularly in the areas of economic and public reforms. However, these achievements were undermined and overshadowed by the U.S. failure to protect the Iraqi population from the criminals and extremists among them who pulled Iraq into civil war.

Ways to Improve U.S. Stability and Reconstruction Missions Are Outlined — Apr 3, 2009

Recent stabilization and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq have underlined the need for the United States to shift the burden of these operations away from the Defense Department and onto other government agencies better suited to the work.

Army Can Boost Mission Success by Better Managing Environmental Considerations — Sep 23, 2008

By better managing environmental issues during deployments, U.S. Army units can gain tactical and strategic advantages that will help in combat and post-conflict operations, and boost overall mission success.

Book by RAND's James Dobbins Gives an Insider's Account of What Happened in Afghanistan 'After the Taliban' — Aug 21, 2008

Former Ambassador James F. Dobbins has written the first “insider's account” of the Bush administration's post-9/11 diplomatic efforts in Afghanistan after the Taliban had been toppled.

European Union Has Developed a Nascent, but Growing Capacity to Deploy and Employ Armed Force — Jul 8, 2008

Over the past few years, the European Union has demonstrated the capacity to deploy and employ armed force outside its borders in support of broader common policy objectives, creating a new player in nation-building operations.

Shortcomings in Planning for Post-Combat Period in Iraq Outlined — Jun 30, 2008

Efforts to adequately plan for the post-combat period in Iraq were thwarted by overly optimistic views held by top civilian leaders and a belief among military leaders that civilian authorities would be responsible for postwar operations.

RAND Recommends U.S. Military Adopt Consumer Marketing Strategies to Reach Iraqi and Afghan Civilians — Jul 17, 2007

RAND Recommends U.S. Military Adopt Consumer Marketing Strategies to Reach Iraqi and Afghan Civilians.

New Security Threats Beyond Iraq Will Require Changes in Military Deployments and Structure, RAND Study Says — May 17, 2007

May 17, 2007 news release: New Security Threats Beyond Iraq Will Require Changes in Military Deployments and Structure, RAND Study Says.

Former Swedish Prime Minister Discusses Building of Nation States at Pardee RAND Graduate School Commencement — Jun 24, 2006

June 24, 2006 News Release: Former Swedish Prime Minister Discusses Building Of Nation States At Pardee RAND Graduate School Commencement.

Study Finds Nation-Building Efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan Hampered By Failures to Address Health Problems — Apr 19, 2006

April 19, 2006 News Release: Study Finds Nation-Building Efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan Hampered By Failures to Address Health Problems

RAND Study Says International Peace-Enabling Force Could Enhance Security of Israel and a Palestinian State — Jan 31, 2006

RAND news release: RAND Study Says International Peace-Enabling Force Could Enhance Security of Israel and a Palestinian Statey

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Patrick B. Johnston

Associate Political Scientist

Patrick B. Johnston

Patrick Johnston is an associate political scientist at the RAND Corporation. He specializes in counterinsurgency and counterterrorism, with a particular focus on Afghanistan and the Philippines. His articles have been published or are forthcoming in a range of peer-reviewed journals, including…

Dick Hoffmann

Defense Research Analyst

Dick Hoffmann

Dick Hoffmann is a defense research analyst at the RAND Corporation and a professor at the Pardee RAND Graduate School. He retired in 2007 from the Navy after 20 years of service as a SEAL officer. He was the director of education at the Naval Special Warfare Center in San Diego, where he…

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