Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations
Seal of the United States Department of State
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| Bureau overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | November 22, 2011 |
| Preceding bureau | |
| Employees | 169 (FY 2013) |
| Annual budget | $106 million (FY 2013) |
| Bureau executive | |
| Parent department | U.S. Department of State |
| Website | www |
The Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations (CSO) is a bureau of the United States Department of State. The Department of State announced the creation of the bureau on November 22, 2011, replacing the Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization.
The bureau's mission is to advance 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 bureau emphasizes sustainable solutions guided by local dynamics and actors, and promotes unity of effort, the strategic use of scarce resources, and burden-sharing with international partners. This comprehensive approach will help the State Department anticipate and adapt to 21st century security challenges, while supporting America’s leadership in emerging crises.
The State Department’s Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations (CSO) helps the Secretary of State improve the effectiveness and coherence of the U.S. government’s response to overseas crises. Through an integrated approach between domestic employees, foreign service officers, a number of the State Department's regional and functional bureaus, additional departments and agencies within the US Government, and international partners, CSO addresses cycles of violence through locally grounded analysis and operational support in priority areas around the world.
CSO has initiated a number of different programs in order to meet its goals in countries affected by conflict, including strategic communications campaigns, Interagency Conflict Assessment Frameworks (ICAF), election monitoring and observations, conducting conflict analysis, facilitating community dialogue.
While CSO has worked in over 15 countries since its establishment, the majority of the bureau's efforts were initially focused in four specific countries: Burma, Honduras, Kenya, and Syria. and expanded into Nigeria, Bangladesh and the Middle East. Under the current leadership of Asst Secretary David M. Robinson the portfolio continues to be dynamic.
Burma
In Burma, one of the last two countries still employing anti-personnel landmines, CSO is working with the government, ethnic minorities, and international partners to assist 5.2 million people living in landmine contaminated areas. These efforts aim to build confidence through mine risk education and support to survivors of landmines. Much of CSO's work in Burma is done in support of the US Embassy in Rangoon, the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs.
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