For too long, US foreign policy has been reactive to violent conflict, deploying troops and civilians at great cost. For the first time since I've been working on these issues for over a decade, the US has an opportunity to change that. Daphne/Annie/Janina/I have thoughts. 1/ https://twitter.com/CSIS/status/1390678013793210372

First, let's try not to get stuck on the term "fragility" as a roadblock. Call it what you want, just do something about it (ht @Lizhume4peace). While "fragile state" may be inaccurate (few states are fully fragile), all countries, incl our own, have elements of fragility. 2/

Ok, now that that's out of the way. Here are some ways we think the USG can capitalize on the opportunity the GFA presents (details in the policy brief).

In Washington, several things need to happen.

Create a durable strategic oversight structure under the NSC. 3/

Fund with transparency, intentionality, and oversight. Passing the legislation was great, but the role of Congress is not done (ht @richmondpblake)

Structure for success aka appoint leadership with both fluency in fragility and the authority to do something about it. 4/

Incorporate metrics and prioritize learning. I started my career in M&E - you can take the kid outta M&E but you can't... (I see you @E_Poli @nmcmurry @jamesturitto)

Maintain a productive and supportive relationship with the field. Because of course you should do that. 5/

Stay with me folks, here's where it gets good. Let's talk about the field.

Sync diplomatic, development, and defense efforts. Easy to say, harder to do.

Design targeted, flexible, and empowering assistance programs. 6/

Coordinate diplomatic and donor relations.

And last but 100% not least... address personnel issues. Hard to imagine GFA success in the field without reform to how we staff missions. 7/7

Thanks to the many reviewers & ppl who continue to be giants in this field. Glad @daphnemccurdy @pforzheimera @janina_staguhn & I were able to contribute a small bit to the amazing community inside/outside government who are dedicated to these issues. https://www.csis.org/analysis/policymakers-guide-global-fragility-act

@franceszbrown @GMIngramIV @graffcorinne @Lizhume4peace @richmondpblake @SchneidermanDM @patrickwquirk @s_e_rose @PaulBStares @kristencordell @CatanzanoAmanda @marciakimwong @JakeKurtzer @OLavinal @marronje @CSeyle_OEF @SusannaCampbell @USAIDOTI @StateCSO @DeptofDefense

And lastly, thanks to @DenmarkinUSA without which this and so much more important work could not be done.