The Role of the Military in Reconstruction: Examining Expeditionary Economics and Provisional Reconstruction Teams
Abstract
A new term has entered the economic reconstruction lexicon: “expeditionary economics.”
While there is some disagreement over the exact meaning of the term and the objectives
of the concept, a consensus definition could be summarized as the use of military
personnel to rebuild the economy in post-conflict and post-disaster nations in situations
where the environment is too dangerous for civilian personnel and aid agencies. The
evolution of expeditionary economics is the result of the recognition of the substantial
financial and logistical resources possessed by the military and the understanding that
economic development is essential for the long-term success of military interventions. In
addition, the military is uniquely positioned to operate in unstable, dangerous, and remote
environments and to mobilize at short notice. However, the expansion of the role of the
military beyond war fighting to economic reconstruction is an acknowledgement that
military operations alone will not achieve stabilization in conflict or disaster areas. But,
expeditionary economics does not advocate deploying the military for economic
reconstruction functions. It is utilizing military already engaged at a location to enhance
stability. While several countries were actively engaged in rebuilding the economy in
Afghanistan and Iraq, the term appears to have gained the most traction in the United
States. This reflects a change in foreign policy outlook and the role of the United States
in engaging in nation building and its associated tasks. The role of the forces in
reconstruction is time limited and is a sequencing issue. It involves reconstruction
activities after conflict and before civilian control of reconstruction.
Description
Advocating for nonviolent change, the Centre for Conflict Studies emphasizes research and practice to
better understand conflicts and manage them effectively in order to bring changes to current inequalities
and social injustices. Our quarterly magazine, Reflections, will be published in January, April, July, and
October. This article appears in volume 2, number 2. 2012-04-04.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.Collections
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