"This paper addresses, and proposes an answer to, the question of who should be accountable for planning, managing, and executing stabilization and reconstruction operations (SROs). The U.S. government's existing approach provides no clear answer. Responsibilities for SROS are divided among several agencies, chiefly the Department of State, the Department of Defense, and the United States Agency for International development. As a result, lines of responsibility or accountability are not well-defined. ...This paper is divided into three parts. Part I provides a brief background on SROs. Part II posits ten targeted reforms that could improve SRO execution. Part III proposes a new structural solution to address the weaknesses in SRO planning and management: the U.S. Office for Contingency Operations."--Introd.

"February 2010" -- Cover.

Introduction. -- Pt. I. Background on stabilization and reconstruction operations. -- Pt. II. Ten targeted reforms for improving stabilization and reconstruction operations. -- Pt. III. The U.S. Office for Contingency Operations: improving the planning and management of stabilization and reconstruction operations. -- Appendix. -- Endnotes. -- Acronyms.