How is U.S. Security Cooperation enabling preparedness for crisis and disaster response, humanitarian assistance, and emerging transboundary challenges? As part of this broader security cooperation effort, the United States has a long history of financial support to United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UN PKO). However, although it is the largest financial contributor to UN PKOs, the U.S. currently does not provide more than a handful of Military Observers and Military Experts on Mission to support field missions.
Within the context of evolving transboundary challenges, is it the right time for the U.S. to transition from primarily financial support to directly contributing logistical enablers—such as air mobility (fixed-wing and rotary-wing), engineering, line and short-haul motor transportation, medical, and signals communication? The U.S. possesses incredible logistical capabilities that are critical enablers for UN PKO missions and could fill the existing gaps in important PKO missions in areas such as Africa.
Before the U.S. provides such assets, what specific risks for both the U.S. and the UN need to be addressed? Specifically, how must command and control (C2) relationships, reimbursements, and potential casualties be managed to integrate U.S. forces successfully into these operations? Ultimately, what are the trade-offs between leveraging these U.S. capabilities for international crisis response and managing local perceptions of a U.S. military presence in field missions?
- Cahoon, Lt. Col. Troy, "Technology in Peacekeeping: How Technology Can Make Peacekeeping Better," AWC elective paper, 2020, 13 pgs.
- McWhirter, Maj. Matthew, "United States Embassy Operations in Security Cooperation: Assisting UAE Stabilization Efforts in the MENA," ACSC elective paper (Peace and Stability Operations), 2019, 14 pgs.
- Miller, LTC Chris, "U.S. Involvement in the Multinational Force and Observer Mission: Supporting National Defense and Military Strategy," AWC Strategic Studies Paper, 2020, 24 pgs.
- Moulton, LCDR Todd, USN, "Improving Military Stability Operations: The Case for a Stabilization Command," originally a GCPME thesis, published as an AU Press Kenney Papers on Indo-Pacific Studies, 2023, 49 pgs.
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Redding, Michael P., "Strategy for Joint Interagency Force Design: US Peace Operations in Haiti," SAASS thesis, 2022, 138 pgs.
- Sheehey, Paul J., "Reconciling the Responsibility to Protect Doctrine with Classic Just War Theory," SAASS Thesis, 2021, 115 pgs.
- Kearney-Kurt, Christine, "Overcoming Strategic Blind Spots in Airlift Operations," AFGC thesis, 2025, 35 pgs.
- Kearney-Kurt emphasizes that effective HADR requires seamless interoperability between the Department of Defense (DoD), the State Department, U.S. allies, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). She points out that these agencies often lack a common vernacular and use different reporting systems, leading to costly delays. As a long-term solution, she proposes the creation of a single, unified software program across all functions and nations. This would allow the U.S. government, partner militaries, and international relief groups to share personnel availability, supplies, and services in one centralized system, bridging the interagency gap during crises.