Building Stability Overseas Strategy: Challenges and Opportunities

The Building Stability Overseas Strategy (BSOS), published in July 2011, is the UK Government’s first cross-departmental policy framework for preventing violent conflict overseas. Saferworld believes the BSOS provides a strong vision for the UK’s conflict prevention work, as it builds on the best available evidence for what works in preventing and reducing violence and fragility. While considerable progress has been made over the past year to implement this vision, it will be a significant challenge to ensure that the approach outlined in the BSOS is consistently adhered to throughout the UK’s overseas engagements.

This more detailed briefing, designed for those working on or with particular interest in BSOS implementation, outlines the successes that have been achieved so far, identifies challenges that have arisen, and makes recommendations for the way forward. It is based on Saferworld’s research and ongoing dialogue with government officials on BSOS implementation.

For a short overview of Saferworld’s review and recommendations for BSOS implementation, read the briefing Building Stability Overseas: The Way Forward.