This bill would create a Center for Conflict Analysis, Planning, and Prevention inside the Department of State. The Center would be led by a Director who reports to the Secretary of State through the Under Secretary for Political Affairs. It would have no more than 20 full-time Department employees and a deployable contingent able to support embassies in conflict-affected or at-risk regions. The Center's listed duties include developing analytic methods, data, and tools on global conflict dynamics; forecasting potential hotspots of violent conflict; producing in-depth analyses to advise regional bureaus; supporting peace processes and mediation; coordinating (at the Under Secretary's direction) implementation of the Global Fragility Act of 2019; running strategic gaming and "red team" exercises; and helping develop training for Foreign Service officers. The Under Secretary must ensure the Center's analytic products are shared with relevant Department stakeholders and other parts of the U.S. Government as appropriate.
No publicly available information on overall funding levels or cost estimates. The bill sets a staff cap of not more than 20 full-time Department employees and authorizes a Director position.
The bill's "Sense of Congress" states that better understanding and responding to conflict and supporting peace processes will further national security and foreign policy interests. It also states the Department should have an institutional hub staffed by subject matter experts to equip diplomats in conflict analysis and peace negotiations.
No publicly available information.