By Paula J. Dobriansky and Gregory Johnson

The Washington Times

July 1, 2011

With two long wars still under way and our nation still recovering from a recession, this is a difficult time politically to begin a discussion about the need for long-term foreign engagement. Indeed, most congressional legislators, with notable exceptions such as Sens. John McCain and Joe Lieberman, are reluctant to address how to deal proactively with fragile states, much less fund such a strategy.

But it is precisely because of current concerns about the budget that it is essential to deal with this issue.

Because American interests will be threatened by fragile or failed states, we can lessen future threats and costs in blood and treasure by investing in the strategy and capabilities needed to stabilize such states.

A recently released report on a study we co-chaired for the Bipartisan Policy Center articulates five main principles that should guide our efforts to more effectively stabilize fragile states.

Read the full op-ed here

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Foreign Policy Project, Stabilizing Fragile States Initiative