To what extent does partner nation political will, absorptive capacity, and institutional analysis influence Security Cooperation strategy, planning, and resource decisions? Within this partner-centric framework, a key U.S. priority is helping partner nations assume primary responsibility for their own defenses.
Using countries in the Middle East as a primary example, to what extent can partner nations employ active border defense constructs to allow them to reduce long-term reliance on the United States? What would these defense constructs look like, and what capabilities are required to maintain them across varying regional threat landscapes? Ultimately, based on an analysis of these institutional and political factors, are these active border defense constructs sustainable over the long term?
- 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.
- Moncier, Lt. Col. Benjamin S., "The Least Worst Reality: Responsibly Ensuring Partner Conflict Civilian Casualty Mitigation," GCPME thesis, 2023, 37 pgs.