nizations to take the lead because of conflicting interests with neighboring countries , such as in South Sudan . PK operations usually last 14-17 years , then restart as the drivers of conflict are rarely addressed through a diplomatic effort to staunch the bloodshed . The US has a humanitarian response to stop the fighting and killing of innocent civilians , but in the end , only the political economy of the conflict has changed , after being subsidized by the PK operation . There needs to be a constant evaluation as to why PK mission continue . Governments become dependent upon UN PK operations to provide security for the region , or as something that can be leveraged against their opponents . The Economic Community of West African States ( ECOWAS ), Southern African Development Community ( SADC ) and the African Union ( AU ) are hollow organization . The AU is only now developing a formula to pay for itself . Up until 4 years ago , only 4 countries of the 54 AU contributors were paying for their membership , so now they are levying a tax to maintain their Chinese-built facilities . These organizations are aspirational , but have a lot of political challenges . These regional organizations are definitely where the U . S . needs to focus their resources . ECOWAS functions well when Nigeria is strong , but falters when they do not understand their resources and capabilities . The U . S . needs to play a greater role in PK operations to effectively enhance their capabilities . Providing funding alone is inadequate , and does not connote an ability to be openly critical of the mission without participation . The Chinese view participation in such operations as a worthwhile investment , thus to keep pace the U . S . should as well .
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