§9804 Selection of Priority Countries and Regions

Summary

The President must pick priority countries and regions for the Global Fragility Strategy. He must work with the Secretary of State, the USAID Administrator, and the Secretary of Defense and consult the appropriate congressional committees. Picks must be based on U.S. national security interests and clear signs of fragility or violence, such as rankings on global fragility lists and U.S. early warning lists, levels of violence (including armed groups, state actors, extremists, gender-based violence, and violence against children and youth), and risks from climate and environmental threats that can cause displacement. The choice must also check whether national and local governments and civil society are willing and able to work with U.S. agencies, show steps toward fair, open, and accountable institutions, protect human rights, follow the rule of law, and ensure equal access to justice, and whether U.S. help would likely reduce fragility, prevent extremism, and stabilize conflict areas. Not fewer than five countries or regions must be selected, and not fewer than two must be chosen mainly to prevent violent conflict rather than to stabilize ongoing wars. Before the list is final, State, USAID, Defense, and other relevant agencies must brief the appropriate congressional committees and consider their input.