About ISOA

Who is ISOA?

Standing at the intersection of government and industry, the International Stability Operations Association (ISOA) is the leading association representing private-sector and publicly traded services companies engaged in global international stability. ISOA member companies come from all across the globe and reflect the diversity of size, services, and solutions that support stability operations. Industries include logistics, security, construction, risk management, medical support services, professional and technical services, and much more. Over 70% of our members are small businesses.

The stability operations sector is a crucial policy tool used by the U.S. government (USG) and regional stakeholders, including foreign governments, NGOs, and multilateral organizations, to foster peace and prosperity. Funding for stability operations from the USG is substantial and is primarily managed by the U.S. Departments of Defense and State and USAID. Funding sources also include NATO, multi-lateral development banks, and other governments.

ISOA’s membership growth strategy is based on one foundational principle: if your organization operates in fragile environments, you belong in ISOA.

Our Mission

ISOA’s mission is to enhance the growth and success ​of companies supporting international stability worldwide by helping create successful, effective public/private partnerships with U.S. and other funding entities, thereby fostering global stability and security.

Our Vision

• Maintain a strong, vibrant, and committed membership ​that effectively represents the value of our industry.
• Sustain our non-negotiable commitment to the ethical standards expected across our defense industry and ​stability operations baseline.
• Continue to support and promote the business needs of current members through U.S. Government advocacy and outreach as ​we grow.
• Become the primary point of strategic engagement for the government and private sector supporting international stability operations worldwide.

Our Work

ISOA programs and member services revolve around four major member benefits:

• Advocacy and Agency Collaboration
• Business Intelligence & Education
• Networking & Business Development
• Corporate Visibility

ISOA holds four to five major international conferences annually, hosting 300-500 attendees each. ISOA members also enjoy an active calendar of advocacy meetings, webinars, in-person networking gatherings, and committee and working group meetings designed to have a positive impact on public policy, create new business partnerships, and keep members informed about upcoming contract opportunities.

Core Capabilities of ISOA Companies

Our History

ISOA, initially founded as the International Peace Operations Association (IPOA) in April 2001 by Doug Brooks, emerged from his experiences in unstable Sierra Leone. Collaborating with NGOs, lawyers, and humanitarian organizations, Brooks codified ethical principles for private sector involvement in peace operations. This foundational document, known as the ISOA Code of Conduct, received unanimous support from initial members, solidifying ISOA’s role as the premier association for standards in the peace and stability operations industry.

Our Leadership

Meet the ISOA Leadership.