5-34. Stability operations are used to support a host nation or interim government or a transitional military authority when no government exists. They involve coercive and constructive actions, help establish or maintain a safe and secure environment, and facilitate reconciliation among local or regional adversaries. Stability operations can also help establish political, legal, social, and economic institutions while supporting the transition to legitimate host nation governance. Stability operations cannot be successful if they are only used to react to enemy or adversary initiatives; they must also be used to maintain the initiative through the pursuit of objectives that resolve the causes of instability.