ABSTRACT
This chapter traces the development of US civilian-military coordination in peacebuilding, particularly with respect to natural resources. It explains a brief history of US civilian-military coordination and cooperation; and a discussion of natural resources in the context of civilian-military coordination and cooperation. The committee was tasked with overseeing agency coordination and cooperation, resolving policy issues, and deciding on unified action. The defense, diplomacy, and development aspects of this approach form the basis for US civilian-military collaboration and US cooperation with the international community. The transition to civilian-military coordination and cooperation is neither smooth nor lateral. The process is characterized by periodic shifts—in particular, pullback from civilian agencies that are cautious about the militarization of foreign assistance, development, and diplomacy. Furthermore, the US Department of Defense (DOD) has transferred funds in support of civilian-led stabilization and reconstruction activities. Interagency fund transfers are a third means of promoting civilian-military coordination in the natural resource sector.
