Overseas Conflicts: U.S. Agencies Have Coordinated Stabilization Efforts but Need to Document Their Agreement

The United States has a national security interest in promoting stability in countries affected by violent conflict. We looked at how 3 federal agencies and an independent institute support conflict prevention, mitigation, and stabilization efforts, such as removing explosives hidden near homes. Although these entities have worked together in Iraq, Nigeria, and Syria, the federal agencies have not documented their agreement on key areas of collaboration such as clarifying roles and responsibilities for stabilization efforts. We recommended that they formally document their agreement on coordination for stabilization in written guidance.