http://www.gsdrc.org Academic and policy-relevant publications on governance and international development. en-uk Copyright © 2012 Governance and Social Development Resource Centre Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:12 GMT Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:12 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 Jake Sherman How can criminal justice be strengthened in countries at risk of violent conflict? This paper examines criminal justice sector reform, relating it to research on the causes of violence. It argues that rather than focusing exclusively on state institutions – or blindly rushing to support informal systems – reform must be based on an understanding of actual demand for justice services. Donors need to improve their understanding of local contexts, address funding gaps, and improve measurement of results and outcomes. Interventions should: 1) encompass a broader range of local justice requirements; 2) seek to incorporate existing links between state and informal sectors into legislation and procedures; and 3) counter organised- and cross-border crime through multi-sectoral interventions with long-term vision. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4175&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4175&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT World Bank Some 1.5 billion people live in countries affected by repeated cycles of political and criminal violence. This report argues that breaking these cycles involves a) strengthening legitimate national institutions and governance to meet citizens' key needs; and b) alleviating international stresses that increase the risks of conflict (such as food price volatility and infiltration by trafficking networks). It is important to: refocus assistance on confidence building, citizen security, justice and jobs; reform the procedures of international agencies to accommodate swift, flexible, and longer-term action; respond at the regional level (such as by developing markets that integrate insecure areas and pooling resources for building capacity); and to renew cooperative efforts between lower, middle, and higher income countries. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4160&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4160&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT World Bank There are a number of pathways back from the brink of violent conflict, but there are two common elements in successful cases. The first is building 'inclusive-enough' coalitions, and identifying the signals and commitment mechanisms that can galvanise support for change. Pacts to end violence need not be all-inclusive, and can promote peace if they are minimally inclusive at the beginning. The second element is delivering results on the ground to build confidence in citizen security, justice and economic prospects. For both elements, successful transitions have made astute use of capacity from the private sector, traditional institutions and non-governmental organisations. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4145&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4145&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT World Bank How can international actors more effectively support transitions out of violence and fragility? This chapter outlines trends in the international architecture that affect the ability to respond effectively in fragile and violence-prone settings. It argues that international agencies are geared to minimising domestic reputational and fiduciary risk – increasingly so – rather than supporting 'best-fit' institutional solutions that match political realities on the ground. The principle barrier to effectiveness is international agencies' dual accountability to domestic constituencies and citizens in recipient states. Development agencies also need to address critical gaps by focusing more on citizen security, criminal justice and job creation. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4109&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4109&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Oli Brown, Anne Hammill and Robert McLeman What are the implications for Africa of the 'securitisation' of climate change? This article examines the international rhetoric linking climate change and security, focusing on its predictions regarding the stability of African states. It argues that the extent to which climate change triggers war will depend largely on governance and governments. Using projections of climate change in isolation from other factors is therefore an inadequate means of predicting future conflict. Meanwhile, the securitisation of the climate change debate (displacing focus on developmental or environmental consequences) presents both risks and opportunities. Viewing climate change principally as a security problem is likely to be less effective than incorporating adaptation into existing development processes. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3972&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3972&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT Wouter van Ginneken Globalisation triggers the need for frequent adjustment to national production processes, jobs and life strategies, and there are vast gaps in income and security between countries. The International Labour Organisation suggests that establishing a global socio-economic floor would improve international development and security. This article investigates the impact of taking a rights-based approach to a core element of that floor, social security, concluding that it could make a significant impact on achieving the Millennium Development Goals of poverty eradication and development, and provide a framework for the future. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3956&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3956&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Richard Black et al. This paper explores the potential impact of future demographic and climate change on migration patterns in developing countries. It argues that policymakers should not seek to prevent migration resulting from climate change: some migration impacts from existing emissions are likely to be unavoidable, and migration itself can have both positive and negative effects. Rather, policies are needed to support: a) pro-poor adaptation; and b) people who will migrate at least partly as a result of climate change. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3934&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3934&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT Cecilia Tacoli This paper argues that migration can be an adaptive strategy. There is growing evidence to suggest that mobility, together with income diversification, is important in reducing vulnerability to both environmental and non-environmental risks. Short-term urban migration is already often used a means of broadening income in times of agricultural shortage. Supporting migration to small, intermediate urban centres is likely to become increasingly important in adapting to climate change. Local and national institutions urgently need to foster a positive perspective of migration. Rather than seeking to influence the volume, direction and types of population movement, migration policies might more usefully aim to accommodate changes in migration patterns. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3932&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3932&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Renate Schubert To what extent is climate change a threat to international security? This report examines the evidence and analysis to date. It suggests that without resolute action, climate change will overstretch many societies' adaptive capacities. This could result in destabilisation and violence, jeopardising national and international security. In order to avoid these developments, an ambitious global climate policy must be put into operation over the next 10-15 years. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3897&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3897&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT Samir Elhawary, Marta Foresti and Sara Pantuliano What has been learned since 'fragile states' became the central focus of many development actors? This report synthesises findings from a meeting series on Development, Security and Transitions in Fragile States. While understanding of how to work in fragile states has greatly improved, actually changing ways of working and succeeding in practice remains a challenge. The international community needs to be much more realistic about what it can achieve and to recognise that transition processes require long timeframes and depend largely on domestic processes and actors. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3857&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3857&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Solomon Dersso What is the role and position of the African Standby Force (ASF) in African security? Is the ASF an adequate conflict response mechanism? This paper argues that the ASF’s financial, logistical, technical and organisational capabilities need to be improved to enable it to fully realise its potential role. Further, the ASF should only be deployed as a last resort; parallel efforts must be carried out in diplomacy, early warning, conflict resolution and mediation. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3852&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3852&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Nicholas Eubank How has the absence of international recognition and lack of external development assistance affected state-building in Somaliland? This paper examines how Somaliland’s government was motivated to establish credible, accountable and representative political institutions and engage with the business community to create a tax-based relationship with its citizens. Despite unique characteristics, Somaliland provides a valuable case-study for policymakers, suggesting that the international community adopt a tempered approach to aid interventions in fragile and post-conflict areas. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3851&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3851&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Frances Stewart and Graham Brown How can the concept of fragile states be operationalised for development policy? This paper offers a working definition of fragile states as states that are failing, or at high risk of failing, in their: 1) authority to protect citizens, 2) comprehensive provision of basic services, or 3) governance legitimacy. To design appropriately differentiated policies, policymakers must first identify the dimension(s) of fragility in a country and then the main causes of the failures in each dimension. The most challenging situations are where governments are opposed to inclusive policies. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3843&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3843&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Salomé van Jaarsveld and Shauna Mottiar How can the African Union’s mediation and conflict prevention mechanisms be strengthened? This seminar report assesses the evolving African peace and security architecture and presents five key recommendations for its future development. It argues that the AU’s partnerships should be strengthened, mediation work institutionalised, early warning systems established, lesson-learning institutionalised and that civil society should become more involved in mediation processes. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3783&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3783&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Sally Healy The Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is the regional organisation of seven East African countries, aiming to achieve regional peace, prosperity and integration. When member states fuel military action even while participating in peace talks, however, what can IGAD achieve? This paper assesses IGAD’s development and contribution to two major peace processes, in Sudan and Somalia. Despite a significant influence on the outcomes, IGAD is undermined by weak institutional systems and an entrenched political culture of military aggression across the region. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3781&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3781&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Paul D. Williams How has the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU) helped promote peace, security and stability on the African continent? This article provides an overview of the origin of the PSC, and discusses elements of its design and mandate. Does the PSC have the resources and credibility to influence the continent’s governments? Without significant additional funding and manpower from the AU, the PSC cannot cope with the huge security problems facing Africa. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3774&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3774&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Huma Haider The impact of violent conflict on a country’s society, economy and political governance is devastating and encompassing. The effects can be tangible and visible, including killed and injured civilians, destroyed or derelict bridges and wells, and damaged or inadequate health care and education facilities. They can also be intangible, such as the collapse of state institutions, mistrust in government, the disruption of social cohesion, psychological trauma and pervasive fear. These impacts can be long lasting, hindering the peaceful development of societies. An understanding of the causes and dynamics of violent conflict and the careful design of conflict prevention, conflict management and peacebuilding activities are essential to avoid violence in the first place, or to alleviate its harmful outcomes. This extensive topic guide provides an overview of key topics ranging from the causes, dynamics and impacts of conflict to options for interventions to prevent, manage and respond to conflict. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3690&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3690&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Robert Egnell Does increased civil-military integration in peace operations lead to increased effectiveness? This paper from the Norwegian Atlantic Committee examines emerging trends in civil-military integration in recent humanitarian interventions. While some integration might be appropriate, (based on careful analysis of involved actors and their interests), the benefits of greater military involvement should not be assumed. Further study is needed into the causal mechanisms of effectiveness in complex peace support operations. It may be best to preserve the humanitarian space based on the impartiality, neutrality and independence of humanitarian organisations. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3597&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3597&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT Caspar Fithen How can vetting help to improve institutions undergoing transition? This paper from the International Centre for Transitional Justice reviews evidence from four country case studies, highlighting the important distinctions between post-conflict and post-authoritarian transitions. It argues that while vetting cannot be divorced from its institutional context, proper planning and commitment to long-term reform can override political obstacles. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3579&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3579&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Richard Gowan and Ian Johnstone What are the key challenges for peacekeeping operations? How might these be overcome? This paper from the International Peace Academy argues that peacekeeping should be thought of as a strategic tool, rather than a strategy, since it is not an end in itself. Many current peacekeeping missions are expected to carry out a mixture of protection, peacebuilding, and counter-insurgency. They require hybrid approaches that need to be better coordinated. A doctrine for 'peace enforcement' as the use of robust force for limited purposes must be developed. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3566&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=3566&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT