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Addressing the Security-Development Nexus: Implications for Joined-up Government

Author: A Fitz-Gerald
Date: 2004
Size: 24 pages (73.8 KB)

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Summary

How do security issues impact on development activities in post-conflict transitional societies? Is there a gap between external donor policies on security reform and implementation by local partner institutions? Is it possible to promote a coordinated strategy among donors? This paper, from Policy Matters, argues for stronger collaboration among bilateral and multilateral institutions to improve coordination and ensure local ownership of security.

At the state level, the provision of security is necessary for human development. At the individual level, local grass roots security provisions are essential to promote confidence in the state structures. The relationship between security and development, known as the "security-development" nexus, has encouraged overseas development assistance programs to address these two concepts more comprehensively. Addressing security and development requires a more joined-up approach and a fully consultative process between donors and government departments.

• The link between security and development encourages co-operation between institutions such as the judiciary and legislature, as well as cross-departmental approaches for example, between the military, the police and other law enforcement agencies.
• Donors should pursue coordinated security strategies to promote long-term sustainable development, as demonstrated by recent events in post-conflict regions such as the Balkans and Haiti.
• Canada has developed a coherent model for coordinated action among relevant security and development government departments, known as the '3-D' approach (Defence, Development and Diplomacy).

Security sector initiatives led by external donors are ineffective without adequate collaboration with local partners. Donors and policy-makers should incorporate all government sectors and coordinate with each other development planning and implementation.

• Donors should collaborate with local authorities on security reform to close the gap between external policies and local implementation.
• Operational mechanisms and policy instruments should be developed to address wider governance issues in post-conflict regions, for example, by improving national security infrastructure.
• Foreign policy tools such as peace-keeping should be used to merge security and development by engaging the support of local governments and civil society and by building the capacity of national authorities and military officials.
• Donors should assist in building the capacity of regional and sub-regional organisations such as the African Union, by supporting institutional development, and technical assistance in the area of security reform.
• Canada should elaborate on its objectives in the area of security reform and move from strategic analysis to planning and implementation in order to influence other donors and partner organisations.
• Donors must focus their commitment on tailoring external donor instruments to local realities and identifying only the feasible entry strategies that encourage local ownership.

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Source: Fitz-Gerald, A., 2004, ‘Addressing the Security-Development Nexus: Implications for Joined-up Government’, Policy Matters, vol.5, no.5
Author: Department of Defence Management and Security Analysis (DDMSA), Cranfield University, http://www.rmcs.cranfield.ac.uk/ddmsa/