http://www.gsdrc.org Academic and policy-relevant publications on governance and international development. en-uk Copyright © 2013 Governance and Social Development Resource Centre Sat, 18 May 2013 18:00:17 GMT Sat, 18 May 2013 18:00:17 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 Mark Knight What should be the primary, explicit aim of security sector reform (SSR) efforts – democracy or development? What role should the concept of the ‘social contract’ play in SSR? This article from the Journal of Security Sector Management examines the evolution of SSR and the roles of development and democratisation in that concept. It argues that there is a tension between traditional development paradigms and democratisation that is unresolved within the present SSR discourse. To resolve this tension, the SSR discourse should explicitly acknowledge democracy as the overarching objective of SSR. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4958&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4958&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Rita Abrahamsen, Michael Williams What are the key issues facing the private security sector in Sierra Leone? What role do private security companies (PSCs) play and what is their relationship with the public security apparatus? This report from the Department of International Politics at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, examines the private security sector in Sierra Leone. It finds that PSCs in Sierra Leone are largely unregulated and provide services of varying quality. The Sierra Leone authorities must improve regulation and oversight of PSCs, include them in security sector reform (SSR) and consider how they contribute to development. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4803&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4803&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Sat, 01 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT Anthony H. Cordesman How successful were US efforts to build effective Iraqi military and security forces in the first years of the occupation? This paper from the Center for Strategic and International Studies examines these efforts. It argues that the US failed to react to the insurgency and to recognise the need for effective Iraqi military, security and police forces. As a result, many Iraqi forces were sent out to die without adequate organisation, training, equipment or facilities. Nevertheless, progress since 2004 and changes in the way that the US is preparing Iraqi forces may be able to overcome the legacy of failure. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4801&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4801&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Sat, 01 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT Ellen Laipson, Emile El-Hokayem, Amy Buenning Sturm; Wael Alzayat What are the status of and prospects for security sector reform (SSR) in the Gulf? This report from the Stimson Center summarises a workshop discussion on SSR in the Gulf. While SSR is not a priority for Gulf leaders, concerns about Iran, Iraq and terrorism provide incentives for change in the Gulf states’ security sectors. This provides an opportunity for external actors to encourage and support SSR. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4800&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4800&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT Arnold Luethold What impact has the security sector reform (SSR) concept had in the Arab Middle East? This chapter from Reform and Reconstruction of the Security Sector examines the discourse of SSR in the Arab Middle East. It argues that SSR has as yet played no significant part in either the discourse or practice of political reform in the Middle East. However, the need for wider reforms as a result of domestic and international pressures could enable the emergence of an SSR discourse in the region. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4799&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4799&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Thu, 01 Jan 2004 00:00:00 GMT Megan Bastick, Karen Grimm, Rahel Kunz The UN requires all parties to armed conflict to take special measures to protect people from sexual violence. However, this report by the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces suggests that there has been little sharing of experiences between states regarding the measures required, or on good practice in addressing crimes of sexual violence. There needs to be a coordinated effort on strategies within the security sector to prevent and respond to sexual violence in armed conflict and in post-conflict security sector reform. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4679&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4679&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT Dominick Donald, Funmi Olonisakin Highly politicised and unaccountabe security sectors in fragile states fuel the demand for small arms and light weapons (SALW).This paper, published by Project Ploughshares, analyses the cyclical nature of security sectors and violent conflict, and suggests measures to improve accountability and reduce the demand for SALW. While SSR can be the driving force in establishing secuirty sector accountability, increased public participation would also reduce the demand for SALW and increase the chances for sustainable reform. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4677&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4677&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT Edward Rees The international community has yet to develop a coherent strategy for the execution of security sector reform (SSR) in peace operations. This paper, published by the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations (UNDPKO), examines SSR in both UN and non-UN peace operations. SSR in peace operations is as much about processes, policies, institutions, legislation and political will as it is about training and equipping police officers, customs officials and soldiers. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4676&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4676&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT Herbert Wulf A comprehensive approach to security sector reform (SSR) includes not only improved use of resources and civilian control, but more competent forces capable of providing genuine security. This brief, published by the Bonn International Center for Conversion, examines SSR from the development perspective and discusses good development practices and obstacles to SSR. Local ownership is critical; top-down development processes that do not incorporate local contexts are unlikely to produce responsive, responsible political institutions. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4675&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4675&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT Philipp H. Fluri, Eden Cole How has security sector reform (SSR) progressed since the Rose Revolution? Georgia has been undergoing almost continual changes in its political system, which has effectively hindered the establishment of a consolidated security sector. The situation is characterised by fragmented and deeply under-funded power agencies, subjective forms of control over them, weak civilian oversight, intense corruption, no legitimacy in society at large, and the absence of a concept of overall reform. SSR in Georgia is in need of a reform. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4653&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4653&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Sat, 01 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT Philipp Fluri, Martin Malek What is known about the security sector in Central Asia? This report examines and compares the currently available defence and security sector relevant documents of the Central Asian States (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan). As there is no basis for a current Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) approach in terms of defence and security sector reform, each country will first have to engage in further domestic security and defence reforms before a common strategy or concept may be developed. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4644&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4644&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT Eden Cole, Timothy Donais, Philipp H. Fluri What challenges do south-eastern European countries face in terms of security sector reform (SSR)? In 2002 the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) conducted a special programme on the progress of SSR in South East Europe (SEE). The overall objective of the programme was to assess progress to date, review lessons learned, and identify requirements for reform programmes implemented in each country as well as those leading to enhanced regional cooperation. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4643&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4643&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Sat, 01 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT Wim F Van Eekelen, Philipp H. Fluri This book aims to be a sourcebook on 'defence institution building', drawing on established practices in Western Europe, but also on recent experiences from among new NATO members. All contributions focus on ongoing defence reform. The picture presented is not universal; North and South, and rich and poor states tend to view security challenges in very different ways. Working together on common problems is the best way to build mutual understanding and trust, these being the essential elements for stability and security. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4642&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4642&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT Amnesty International UK Is India’s proposed transfer of military Advance Light Helicopters (ALHs) to Myanmar making a mockery of EU arms embargoes? This report by EU NGOs argues that governments should ensure that components produced or otherwise originating from within their jurisdiction are not incorporated into military equipment that is subsequently transferred to Myanmar. The paper examines EU (and, to a lesser extent, US) involvement in the manufacture of India’s ALH and offers some broad recommendations for arms transfers controls. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4640&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4640&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT Fabien Mathieu, Nick Dearden, This War on Want report examines the rapid expansion of private military and security companies (PMSCs). It argues that increased PMSC involvement in conflict zones raises numerous concerns, ranging from inherent problems of transparency and accountability to concerns about war profiteering. There is now an urgent need for the UK government to bring PMSC activities within the compass of both legal and democratic control. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4639&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4639&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT Paul Holtom, Henry Smith, Simon Rynn What impact have small arms and light weapons (SALW) had on public health and human security in Albania? What steps has the Albanian government taken to control SALW and combat SALW proliferation? This report from the Center for Peace and Disarmament Education and Saferworld examines the impact and distribution of SALW and SALW control measures in Albania. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4636&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4636&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Sat, 01 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT Adedeji Ebo In many African countries civil-military relations are reversed. The military takes control of the population and the machinery of state. This study, from the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF), documents the evolution of the 2002 draft Code of Conduct for Armed and Security Forces in Africa (CoC). It argues that the democratic control of armed and security forces depends on the military becoming more developmental and humanitarian. It must respond directly to the contemporary security needs of the populace. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4635&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4635&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Sat, 01 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT Kristin Valasek Why is gender important to security sector reform (SSR)? How can gender issues be integrated into SSR? This guide from the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) and the United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (UN-INSTRAW) provides an introduction to SSR and gender issues. The integration of gender issues into SSR processes is crucial in enhancing operational effectiveness, establishing local ownership and strengthening oversight of the security sector. The integration of gender issues into SSR will face different challenges and opportunities based on the specific context in which SSR takes place. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4608&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4608&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT International Crisis Group In 2006 the police and army in Timor-Leste fought each other in the streets in a crisis that left both institutions in ruins. This report from the International Crisis Group analyses the challenges of reforming Timor-Leste’s security institutions, focusing on the army and the police. To reform the security sector successfully, Timor-Leste’s government must ensure an inclusive process by consulting widely and resisting the temptation to take autocratic decisions. Unless there is a non-partisan commitment to the reform process, structural problems are likely to remain unresolved and the security forces politicised and volatile. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4607&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4607&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT Mike Bourne, Owen Greene How are small arms and light weapons (SALW) issues and armed violence relevant to governance, security sector reform (SSR) and safety, security and access to justice (SSAJ)? How can governance, SSR and SSAJ programmes integrate SALW issues? This briefing from the Centre for International Cooperation and Security aims to highlight the importance of SALW availability to governance, SSR and SSAJ programming. It shows how such programmes can be developed to contribute more to the reduction of SALW-related armed violence. http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4599&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed http://www.gsdrc.org/go/display&type=Document&id=4599&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gsdrc&utm_source=newsfeed Security and development Thu, 01 Jan 2004 00:00:00 GMT