U.S. Stabilization and Reconstruction Doctrine

<p>The evolving U.S. stabilization reconstruction and development doctrine displays the tenets necessary to stabilize a state following conflict; however this doctrine remains insufficient for insuring long-term stability. To adequately guide stability operations U.S. doctrine must address transitions from authoritarian regimes. The logic of the current doctrine manifests a commitment to democracy but fails to realize that the factors considered as sources of conflict are often the basis for maintaining support and stability in authoritarian regimes. Consequently deposing an authoritarian regime requires a greater attention to governance rather than democratization. The examination of U.S. stability and reconstruction doctrine reveals principle tenets stipulating that a safe and secure environment establishment of rule of law social well-being stable governance and a sustainable economy are necessary to stabilize a post-conflict state. Those tenets have antecedents in Western political philosophy. However a careful examination of the doctrine reveals no concern for the type of regime that has been overthrown or replaced. Hence the doctrine provides no guide to the expectations of the people who now have a new government. In other words how a regime was replaced and how the previous regime governed has a significant impact on how the new regime is perceived. A close examination of the inherent structural aspects of authoritarian regimes discloses differences the stabilization doctrine does not consider. Authoritarian regimes create a system that depends on certain allegiances and dependencies to retain authority and maintain stability. These regimes purposely create conditions the U.S. considers detrimental to stability to achieve these ends. Authoritarian regimes may be open to Western liberalization only to the point that it does not reduce their authority. These regimes will outwardly appear to be liberalizing and adopting democratic norms to satisfy the in</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p>