http://www.gsdrc.org Academic and policy-relevant publications on governance and international development. en-uk Copyright © 2013 Governance and Social Development Resource Centre Fri, 24 May 2013 18:00:14 GMT Fri, 24 May 2013 18:00:14 GMT http://www.gsdrc.org/rss/open george@gsdrc.org george@gsdrc.org http://www.gsdrc.org/images/logos/logo_gsdrc.gif http://www.gsdrc.org 205 90 GSDRC logo OECD While situations of fragility clearly have common elements – including poverty, inequality and vulnerability – how can we make sense of the great diversity in their national income, endowment in natural resources or historical trajectories? How do we move towards a more substantive concept of fragility that goes beyond a primary focus on the quality of government policies and institutions to include a broader picture of the economy and society? This publication takes stock of a) the evolution of fragility as a concept, b) analyses of financial flows to and within fragile states between 2000 and 2010, and c) trends and issues that are likely to shape fragility in the years to come. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5275&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5275&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Fragile states Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT CfBT Education Trust, Practical Action and Save the Children How does the fulfilment of people’s expectations for services relate to their perception of the legitimacy of the government? This question has been examined in a one-year research project on State-building, Peace-building and Service Delivery in Fragile and Conflict-affected States. Findings suggest general principles that include: a focus on equitable service delivery; the promotion of effective and transparent public financial management systems; the empowerment and active involvement of citizens in non-politicised accountability mechanisms; and an early focus on quality as well as access. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5270&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5270&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Fragile states Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Antonio Giustozzi This report provides a detailed political economy analysis of northern Afghanistan – the provinces of Faryab, Jowzjan, Sar-i Pul, Balkh and SamanganIt. It notes the competition between two key figures, Atta and Dostum, who each lead a network of allied strongmen spread across the northern region. As of mid-2012, the paper finds little sign of the central government having the potential to consolidate power in the north. It suggests that the policy debate in Afghanistan is shifting towards how to work with local and regional powerbrokers. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5269&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5269&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Fragile states Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Rosan Smits and Deborah Wright This paper presents the findings of literature review on the role and functions of non-state actors in fragile states and an analysis of international policy frameworks that guide their involvement in state-building processes. It presents some of the main challenges for the New Deal on Engagement in Fragile States, and concludes that its success will rest or fall on donors engaging with a full range of non-state actors based on their assets and how their activities are relevant to the overall transitional goal rather than on their formal structure. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5264&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5264&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Fragile states Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT International Crisis Group What are the challenges of and priorities for establishing post-disaster security and stability in Haiti? This paper finds that historical institutional and governance weaknesses and deep poverty compound Haiti's humanitarian crisis. An integrated, long-term reconstruction strategy is needed, based on a very broad political and social consensus. It is important to resume and complete police reform and to prioritise preventive over forceful measures to control potential social unrest. Crucial factors will be the level of consensus reached on reconstruction between the government and the different sectors of Haitian society and more efficient cooperation from the international community. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5239&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5239&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Fragile states Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT David Isenberg What can be learned from the involvement of private military companies (PMCs) and private security companies (PSCs) in Iraq's security sector? This paper finds that their impact in Iraq has been mixed, with lack of regulatory capacity and local ownership particular problems. Lessons include the need for better coordination among and with PMCs, and improved international regulation of PMCs. Transparency and oversight mechanisms are needed while a PMC operation is ongoing, not after the fact. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5231&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5231&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Fragile states Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT Bassma Kodmani, May Chartouni-Dubarry Can security sector reform (SSR) in Arab countries take place as part of a gradual opening of the political system? What is the appropriate role of external actors in SSR? This article finds that SSR in Arab countries is nascent, largely donor-driven and in most cases occurring in post-conflict situations. However, there is a growing debate on SSR as part of the wider push for democratic reform. The most promising avenue for change therefore seems to come from local civil society actors. External contributions must support and enhance the efficiency of domestic reform processes. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5229&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5229&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Fragile states Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Helene Maria Kyed What has been the impact of community policing in Mozambique? What do local versions of community policing mean for everyday policing practices and police-citizen relations? Based on ethnographic fieldwork, this article examines the implementation of state-initiated community policing in a rural former war-zone. It recommends that community policing in post-war contexts be viewed with caution. Historically embedded cultures of policing and state-citizen relations are very influential, and police officers can easily lose control over community police. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5219&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5219&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Fragile states Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Williams, R. The security sector reform debate is still in its embryonic stage. Considerable political, practical, conceptual and strategic work still needs to be done on security sector reform before a flexible approach can be developed to most situations. There has been a shift in thinking from donor countries, international financial institutions and development agencies towards security sector reform. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5168&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5168&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Fragile states Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT Robert M. Perito Despite nearly $10 billion in international police assistance, the Afghan police are riddled with corruption and incompetence. This report reviews past failures and current challenges facing the international police assistance programme in Afghanistan. The US strategy for the Afghan police is to increase numbers, enlarge the 'train and equip' programme, and engage the police against the Taliban. This approach has not worked in the past, however. The role of the police is in controlling crime, protecting Afghan citizens, and increasing the legitimacy of the Afghan government. International police assistance should expand as part of a comprehensive programme for security sector reform and the rule of law. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5134&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5134&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Fragile states Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Jeremy Brickhill What is the most promising way forward for security and stabilisation processes in Somalia? This article points to the convergence of Somali-led experiences of security management and emerging international best practice as a fruitful approach. Peace processes must include negotiations on credible security mechanisms if they are to be effective. The development of credible security mechanisms requires careful sequencing of security transitions through negotiation, mediation and consensus building. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5113&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5113&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Fragile states Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Matt Bryden, Jeremy Brickhill What role may ill-conceived, externally driven stabilisation efforts play in prolonging the Somali conflict? What can be learned from disarmament and demobilisation efforts in southern Somalia, Puntland and Somaliland? This article finds that externally driven initiatives have been viewed with suspicion and alarm, while Somali-led, locally owned initiatives have achieved some success. Conventional international approaches to state-building in Somalia must be reassessed. Security sector issues must be treated not as purely technical, but as integral to the political process. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5107&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5107&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Fragile states Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Mark Berger, Heloise Weber The contemporary struggle to significantly address violence and insecurity highlights the existence of a double crisis in the system of nation-states and in global development. This Third World Quarterly paper, the introduction to the publication’s 30th anniversary issue, examines the contemporary crisis of both the nation-state system and global development. Despite the evident weaknesses of the state-centric model, state intervention is still necessary in order to successfully realise globalisation. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5106&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5106&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Fragile states Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Caty Clément What are the links between politics and security sector reform (SSR) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)? This chapter argues that SSR should be understood as a political process, rather than as a purely technical issue. Obstacles to reform include the absence of effective oversight mechanisms and donor fragmentation. SSR efforts (encompassing the army, police, military, and civil and criminal justice) need to be scaled up in the DRC to foster long-term peace and security. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5100&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5100&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Fragile states Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Hans Born What are the key challenges and opportunities for security sector reform (SSR) in difficult contexts? This chapter compares SSR in the Central African Republic (CAR), Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Georgia, Morocco, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Timor-Leste. It finds a significant gap between the theory and practice of SSR. A practical approach is needed that gives greater attention to accountability, gender-mainstreaming, change management and political factors. Reform will only be successful if linked to specific problems that are considered urgent by political leaders and stakeholders. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5099&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5099&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Fragile states Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Boshoff et. al. Since the beginning of the Transition Period in 2003, international partners have invested considerable resources in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)’s justice, police and defence sectors under the banner of Security Sector Reform (SSR). Nonetheless the consensus is that progress in SSR has been limited. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5091&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5091&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Fragile states Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Eden Cole, Thomas Shanahan, Philipp Fluri Promoting security institutions (such as the police, military, customs, border management and prison services) which are transparent, accountable and fully aware of their roles and responsibilities is one of the key security challenges in the Pacific region. This paper examines the need for a new strategic security framework in the Pacific to complement existing reform efforts. Entry points for security sector governance in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu are identified. These include the formulation of national security policies, the establishment or enhancement of specialised Parliamentary Security Committees and capacity building for civil society. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5089&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5089&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Fragile states Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Greg Bruno What are the components of the national Afghan forces? What are the US and NATO doing to improve the Afghan national forces and with what aim? This Council on Foreign Relations article discusses this issue and provides some answers to these questions. The article firstly provides a background to the mission of the US military and NATO in Afghanistan. It follows with a breakdown of each security component and its current state of effectiveness. Finally, key issues are highlighted that are affecting the success of US military and NATO missions http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5073&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5073&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Fragile states Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Yezid Sayigh Recent (US) and European Union (EU) security sector assistance in Palestine, Lebanon and Yemen has focused on counterterrorism at the expense of building democratically accountable security institutions. This Carnegie Endowment for International Peace paper reviews and evaluates the political and operational effects of the US/EU security sector reform (SSR) approach in these countries. Pursuing counterterrorism in the absence of rule of law perpetuates undemocratic governance of the security sector and undermines statebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5072&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5072&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Fragile states Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Kofi Annan, Martin Griffiths As chief mediator in the violent aftermath of Kenya’s 2007 presidential election, Kofi Annan’s authority, background and personality contributed greatly to a successful mediation. This paper is a record of an interview conducted with Annan on the Kenyan mediation process. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5071&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=5071&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Fragile states Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT