Stabilizing Fragile States:  Addressing Armed Actors

U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations

CSO is convening experts, practitioners, and policymakers to identify the stabilization challenges in engaging armed actors in conflict.

Harry S Truman Building - George C. Marshall Conference Center

<h1>Overview</h1><p>Many modern conflicts feature a proliferation of non-state and hybrid armed groups.  Stabilization and sustainable peace require productively engaging these armed actors in defense, diplomacy and development initiatives.  This conference will highlight the key policy and strategy challenges, trade-offs, and opportunities for government partners working in conflict environments involving a diverse set of armed actors. </p><p></p><h1>Day 1 (January 30) </h1><p>Senior-level panels will identify key challenges and opportunities for engaging non-state armed actors in stabilization initiatives.  Engagements include mapping and analyzing militia influence, developing off-ramps, and supporting disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programs.</p><p>Questions addressed in the senior-level panels will include:</p><ol><li>What are the core challenges presented by the proliferation of armed actors in conflict environments?</li><li>What are the different types and motivations of these armed actors and how should policymakers consider them when engaging?</li><li>How can/should government and non-government partners address these unique challenges?</li><li>How can traditional post-conflict tools (e.g. security sector reform and disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration) be adapted for use during modern conflicts with a diverse set of armed actors?</li></ol><p>Day 1 will also feature the public launch of the U.S. and U.K. joint guide entitled "<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-pathway-to-defections-an-assessment-framework-for-processing-defectors-and-disengaged-fighters" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer"><em>A Pathway to Defections:  An Assessment Framework for Processing Defections and Disengaged Fighters.</em></a>"  The launch will include remarks from the Deputy Director of the U.K. Stabilisation Unit and a facilitated discussion on defections with the authors of the guide. </p><p>Day 1 is open to media.</p><p></p><h1>Day 2 (January 31)</h1><p>Two rounds of working group breakout sessions offering participants an opportunity to dive into specific regional and functional elements of engaging armed actors.  Working group participants will discuss challenges, best practices, innovative solutions, gaps in knowledge, and future opportunities in the field.</p><p>Breakout Session examples include:</p><ol><li>Analyzing Non-State and Hybrid Armed Actors</li><li>Engaging Community-based Armed Groups and Vigilantes </li><li>Developing an Inter-agency Defection Capacity</li><li>Addressing Trauma</li><li>DDR and Community Reintegration Challenges</li></ol><p>Day 2 is under Chatham House Rule.</p>

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