Civilians and “By, With and Through”: Key Issues and Questions Related to Civilian Harm and Security Partnership
Working by, with, and through partners in military operations has become a preferred approach in U.S. security policy. Doing so without uniform controls governing conduct and the use of force can result in real consequences for civilians and compromise mission effectiveness. Developing policy and doctrinal guidelines, robust security sector assistance, and transparency and accountability measures for partnered operations are among the steps U.S. policymakers and practitioners can take to mitigate the potential for civilian harm.