2-5. Stability operations are a key component of unified land operations conducted as part of global, theater, and operational shaping; during conflict; or in a post-conflict situation. (See figure 2-2.) Usually U.S. forces conduct stability operations to support a host-nation government. However, stability operations may also support the efforts of a transitional civil or military authority when no legitimate government exists. Security cooperation tasks in fragile states act as preventative measures and reinforce multinational partners and support for more stable nations. U.S. forces conduct such engagements as part of a whole-of-government approach involving other unified action partners.