US: Diplomatic actions taken in advance of a predictable crisis to prevent or limit violence. (SST--Source: JP 1-02) United Nations, NATO, and UK: Action to prevent disputes arising between parties, to prevent existing disputes from escalating into conflicts, and to limit the spread of the: latter when they occur. (SST--Sources: UN Report: "An agenda for Peace," MC 327/2, and JWP 0-01.1)