Humanitarian civil-military coordination Disaster preparedness and response ‘Soft-power & Its Influence on Global Issues’ Dr. Christopher Ankersen | 1 August 2016 | Colombo Defence Seminar 2016

What is humanitarianism? What is CMCoord? Moving forward Outline What is soft power? What is humanitarianism? What is CMCoord? Moving forward

“pull power, not push power” What is soft-power? SOFT-POWER “Soft power is the ability to affect the behavior of others by influencing their preferences.” (Joseph Nye 2004) “pull power, not push power”

Based on a theory of action how does it work? SOFT-POWER Based on a theory of action “In situation S, to achieve consequence C, do action A.” “After a disaster, to influence the behaviour of others, provide assistance.”

What are its elements? SOFT-POWER “civilian instruments of national security – diplomacy, strategic communications, foreign assistance, civic action and economic reconstruction and development.” (Robert Gates 2011)

Currencies of soft-power: gratitude admiration shared-ideals What does one get out of it? SOFT-POWER Currencies of soft-power: gratitude admiration shared-ideals (Melissa Forster 2015)

Does it ‘scale’? Is it robust? How do we measure it? Some considerations SOFT-POWER Power to do what? Does it ‘scale’? Is it robust? How do we measure it? What does it cost? What about competition?

What is humanitarianism? HUMANITARIANISM (UN General Assembly 2011)

CONcerns HUMANITARIANISM Perceptions of militarization of the humanitarian space. (Colin Powell 2001) “…we have the best relationship with the NGOs who are such a force multiplier for us, such an important part of our combat team.”

CONcerns HUMANITARIANISM There is a need for principled humanitarian action “There are multiple pressures on humanitarian actors to compromise humanitarian principles, such as providing humanitarian aid as part of efforts to achieve political ends.”

What is the need for cm-Coord? Recognition of key role militaries play through their ability to rapidly mobilize and deploy unique assets and expertise in response to specifically identified requirements. Imperative to respect host country sovereignty and lead role in response

what is humanitarian cm-Coord? CM Coord Facilitates dialogue & interaction between civilian and military actors [in order to] protect/promote humanitarian principles avoid competition minimize inconsistency when appropriate, pursue common goals

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (OCHA) who does it and what is it? CM Coord UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (OCHA) Dialogue Information exchange Negotiations in critical areas Guidance Monitoring activity

upcoming initiatives Second Session 11-12 October Bangkok, Thailand Moving Forward Second Session 11-12 October Bangkok, Thailand Development of Common Humanitarian Civil-Military Coordination Standards