Digital Commons Network^™

Managing Criminalized Power Structures: The Predominant Spoilers Of Peace Processes, Michael Dziedzic

Space and Defense

Criminalized Power Structures (CPS) exploit illicit wealth acquisition to usurp political power and constitute a leading source of obstruction when the international community intervenes in states struggling to emerge from civil conflict. Structures operating outside domestic or international law may constitute a crucial barrier or spoiler for UN and coalition peace operations. This held true in the post-Cold War interregnum before 9/11 and is likely to continue for stabilization operations, regardless of outcomes from enormous international security investments in Afghanistan and Iraq. By understanding the different types of spoilers acting across cases, the United States and partners in the international …