NATO AJP-3.4.5 PDF

Introduction to Stabilization and Reconstruction

Stabilization and reconstruction (S&R) attempts to mitigate complex problems in unstable states during and after crises. S&R should be part of a comprehensive and integrated international response. S&R activities run the spectrum from providing security to fostering justice and facilitating livelihoods. Whenever possible, these activities should be led by the host nation (HN). The goal is to maintain, foster, or restore stability to provide the foundation for long-term peace. S&R activities should be, and normally are, civilian led and ideally implemented by legitimate local authorities. However, when civilian actors or local governments cannot operate because of an insecure environment, the JFC may be tasked to provide security to facilitate the activities of other actors. Additionally, there may be situations where military support, other than security, will be necessary. When civilian actors are unable or unwilling to provide support, the military may be tasked to temporarily assume the operational lead for other S&R activities.

Stabilization is an approach used to mitigate crisis, promote legitimate political authority, and set the conditions for long-term stability by using comprehensive civilian and military actions to reduce violence, re-establish security, and end social, economic, and political turmoil. Reconstruction is the process of rebuilding physical infrastructure and re-establishing governmental or societal institutions which were damaged during the crisis. These activities should be focused on mitigating the sources of instability which fostered the crisis in the first place, and should help establish the foundation for long-term stability. Therefore, progress concerning both S&R may often go hand in hand and the two processes are interwoven. For example, a safe and secure environment (SASE) provided by a military presence facilitates the work of international organizations (IOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) which enables reconstruction and other activities to proceed. These activities in turn contribute to long-term stability.

Initially the military might be the only organization capable of operating within an area due to the nature of the environment. In a non-permissive environment, the military may be required to temporarily assume initial responsibility for leading the international response to S&R activities that would normally be undertaken by civilian organizations. In such instances these activities must be planned and coordinated in conjunction with other actors. This will assist in ensuring that military activities do not undermine and are complementary to longer-term goals. Concurrently, the military must work to quickly set the conditions to allow the appropriate civilian organizations to focus on their core roles. In addition, and consistent with international law, NATO might take the lead in some S&R activities or fill in programming gaps if the HN or international community lacks the necessary capability or capacity. S&R activities conducted by NATO-led forces should only be temporary until conditions allow them to transition to national or international authorities.