To “get ahead of change” and become more forward looking, the State Department recently created a new Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations (CSO) to focus on conflict prevention, crisis response, and stabilization activities.
“While the scale and types of future crises cannot be predicted, the complex nature and cascading effects of 21st century challenges require a more forward-looking State Department,” a department statement said. “CSO will support the State Department’s ability to anticipate major security challenges by providing timely, operational solutions.”
The bureau will incorporate the Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization (S/CRS).
CSO advances U.S. national security by driving integrated, civilian-led efforts to prevent, respond to, and stabilize crises in priority states, setting conditions for long- term peace, the statement said.
CSO promotes unity of effort, the strategic use of scarce resources, and burden-sharing with international partners.
The bureau’s comprehensive approach is expected to help the State Department anticipate and adapt to the security challenges of the 21st century, while supporting America’s leadership in emerging crises, the statement said.
The CSO is expected to drive an integrated response, leverage partnerships and work with a range of non-governmental and international partners to prevent conflict, address sources of violence, build on existing resiliencies, and promote burden-sharing.