U.S. Global Fragility Act

The U.S. Global Fragility Act (GFA), enacted in December 2019, represents a significant shift in the United States' approach to international aid and conflict prevention. The GFA was designed to address the root causes of violence and fragility in countries around the world. Its primary goals are to stabilize conflict-affected areas, prevent violence and fragility, and help communities recover from conflicts. The GFA mandates the development of a comprehensive, long-term, interagency strategy that incorporates diplomatic, development, and security efforts to address global fragility.

Key Components of the U.S. Global Fragility Act:

• Strategy Development: The GFA requires the U.S. government to develop a 10-year Global Fragility Strategy, focusing on preventative measures in regions identified as most at risk of conflict and fragility.
  
  

• Country Selection: The Act mandates the selection of specific pilot countries or regions, where the U.S. will implement targeted, evidence-based strategies to reduce fragility and conflict.
  
  

• Interagency Cooperation: The Act emphasizes coordination between various U.S. agencies, including the Department of State, USAID, and the Department of Defense, to ensure a unified approach.
  
  

• Local Partnerships: It prioritizes partnerships with local governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of interventions.
  
  

• Congressional Oversight and Reporting: The GFA requires regular reporting to Congress on the strategy’s implementation and its effectiveness, promoting transparency and accountability.
  
  

• Funding: The Act authorizes the establishment of a Global Fragility Fund to support the implementation of the strategy.
  
  

ARAC's Support of the U.S. Global Fragility Act

ARAC International (Agency for Risk Analysis and Communication) supports the U.S. Global Fragility Act by focusing on the following areas:

• Capacity Building: ARAC offers Hostile Environment Awareness Training and other capacity-building programs to local communities and organizations in fragile regions, enhancing their resilience against conflict and violence.
  
  

• Strategic Partnerships: By partnering with NGOs, local governments, and international bodies, ARAC facilitates the effective implementation of GFA strategies on the ground.
  
  

• Content and Media Analysis: ARAC conducts media literacy and content analysis to identify and counter malign influences in fragile regions, supporting the GFA’s objective of stability.
  
  

• Mediation and Conflict Resolution: Utilizing mediation techniques, ARAC aids in resolving local conflicts, thereby contributing to the stabilization efforts under the GFA.
  
  

• Human Rights and IHL Advocacy: ARAC actively promotes human rights and International Humanitarian Law, aligning with the GFA’s focus on ethical and sustainable interventions.
  
  

• Research and Analysis: ARAC's analysis capabilities support the identification of emerging threats and opportunities in GFA-targeted regions, aiding in the formulation of proactive strategies.
  
  

• Advocacy for Positive Peace: Aligning with the IEP Positive Peace framework, ARAC advocates for creating societal structures that foster lasting peace and stability.
  
  

By integrating its expertise in peacebuilding, security risk management, and conflict prevention, ARAC International plays a crucial role in supporting the U.S. Global Fragility Act's objectives, contributing to global efforts in stabilizing fragile regions and building a more peaceful world.