Conflict and Stabilization Operations: A Conversation with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Rick Barton

For years, the U.S. government has been grappling with how to manage conflict prevention and stabilize crises and conflict-torn societies. Ongoing reforms at the U.S. Department of State include the transformation of the Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization into a new Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations. The mission of the new bureau is to advance U.S. national security by driving integrated, civilian-led efforts to prevent, respond to, and stabilize crises in priority states, creating conditions for long-term peace.

On April 17, Global Economy and Development at Brookings hosted Ambassador Rick Barton, the newly confirmed assistant secretary of state for Conflict and Stabilization Operations. Assistant Secretary Barton discussed his vision for the new bureau and the priorities on his agenda. Brookings Fellow Noam Unger provided introductory remarks and moderate the discussion.