Effective and Conflict-Aware Stabilization

The CSIS Project on Fragility and Mobility researches, convenes civilian and military stakeholder discussions, and provides practical findings and recommendations on how the U.S. government can pursue more effective and conflict-aware stabilization

Stabilization is an “inherently political endeavor involving an integrated civilian-military process to create conditions where locally legitimate authorities and systems can peaceably manage conflict and prevent a resurgence of violence.”

Countries beset by instability from terrorist organizations or contested by state-based adversaries will continue to pose national security challenges to the United States. Facing political and budgetary constraints, the United States must be more selective and disciplined in how it scopes and executes stabilization in conflict-affected countries to ensure it meets clearly defined U.S. and partner political goals.

Stabilization Assistance amid Geopolitical Competition: A Case Study of Eastern Syria

Using eastern Syria as a case study, this CSIS brief examines how U.S. stabilization assistance can potentially serve as a tool in geopolitical competition by supporting locally legitimate political actors to stand up against external meddling.

Photo: GEORGE OURFALIAN/AFP via Getty Images

Mapping Stabilization in Post-Peace Accord Colombia

Colombia’s future hinges on it pursuing integrated and conflict-aware approaches to stabilization following the FARC peace accord. CSIS presents an interactive map showing three relevant and important post-peace accord efforts overlaid with recent social leader killings.

Pursuing Effective and Conflict-Aware Stabilization: Lessons from beyond the Beltway

This brief unpacks the challenges, opportunities, and lessons of U.S. stabilization efforts in Lebanon and Colombia, proposing ways to better integrate principles of the U.S. government's Stabilization Assistance Review into future U.S. engagement and planning.

Colombia at a Stabilization Crossroads

Colombia was on the verge of becoming a failed state 20 years ago. Today, Colombia finds itself at a crossroads. A more promising future hinges on the Colombian government pursuing an integrated and conflict-aware approach to stabilization in Colombia’s territories.

Reimagining “Stabilization” in Lebanon

Amid historic protests and economic turmoil in Lebanon, U.S. policy and programming must refocus on drivers of conflict in Lebanon and be designed to be agile and responsive to unanticipated and rapid changes in the environment.

Photo: IBRAHIM CHALHOUB/AFP/Getty Images

Pursuing Effective and Conflict-Aware Stabilization: Partnering for Success

This new joint CSIS brief from the Project on Prosperity and Development and the Cooperative Defense Project argues that stabilization success depends on how local, U.S. interagency, and international levels share the burden and leverage comparative strengths.

Pursuing Effective and Conflict- Aware Stabilization: Framing and Constructing a Roadmap

Facing political and budgetary constraints, the United States must be more selective and disciplined in how it scopes and executes stabilization in conflict-affected countries to ensure it meets clearly defined U.S. and partner political goals.