History and Background
Failing and post-conflict states pose one of the greatest national and international security challenges of our day, threatening vulnerable populations, their neighbors, our allies, and ourselves. Struggling states can provide breeding grounds for terrorism, crime, trafficking, and humanitarian catastrophes, and can destabilize an entire region. Experience shows that managing conflict, particularly internal conflict, is not a passing phenomenon.
President George W. Bush issued National Security Presidential Directive - 44 (NSPD-44) in December 2005. NSPD-44 directed the Secretary of State to "coordinate and lead integrated United States Government efforts...to promote the security of the United States through improved coordination, planning and implementation of stabilization and reconstruction assistance."
OCR was created to coordinate USAID's Agency-wide response to NSPD-44 to "assist foreign states and regions at risk of, in, or in transition from conflict or civil strife." Until now, the international community has undertaken stabilization and reconstruction operations in an ad hoc fashion, recreating the tools and relationships each time a crisis arises. USAID is one of eight civilian US Government Agencies working to improve our civilian response capability. We also collaborate with the US military to ensure a cohesive "Whole of Government" approach to reconstruction and stabilization.
Interagency Partners
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