About Book

Transitional Public Security: Establishing Security in the “Golden Hour” provides a vital examination of the immediate post-conflict period — a critical window known as the “Golden Hour” — during which the reestablishment of security and public order determines the long-term stability of a recovering society. Authored by Dr. Karen Finkenbinder, a leading scholar-practitioner in peacekeeping and stability operations, this publication reflects the mission of the Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute (PKSOI) to preserve and advance institutional knowledge on peace operations, stabilization, and transitions. The paper explores the concept of Transitional Public Security (TPS) — a framework designed to stabilize fragile environments where traditional law enforcement is absent or incapacitated. Dr. Finkenbinder emphasizes the role of the Department of Defense (DoD) and interagency cooperation in ensuring TPS readiness and implementation. The publication chronicles the policy evolution, operational challenges, and doctrinal advancements that have shaped TPS within U.S. and international peacekeeping efforts. By focusing on the intersection of civil-military collaboration, transitional justice, and local capacity building, it offers both a reflective analysis and a forward-looking blueprint for practitioners engaged in conflict recovery and stabilization missions. The concept of the “Golden Hour” underscores the urgency of timely intervention — the brief but decisive phase when actions taken (or not taken) can either restore public confidence or entrench instability. The work thus reinforces the idea that security and governance reform must begin immediately following conflict cessation to prevent the resurgence of violence and to set the foundation for sustainable peace This publication is central to GRACE’s mission of promoting peace, rehabilitation, and community resilience in post-conflict societies. It provides a policy-oriented framework for understanding how security and institutional recovery efforts must be prioritized immediately after violence ceases. The study’s emphasis on interagency coordination, stabilization policies, and the prevention of relapse into conflict makes it a valuable resource for scholars and practitioners working on counterterrorism, community reintegration, and transitional governance initiatives.