CIAO DATE: 05/2011
Volume: 6, Issue: 1
March 2008
Developing a Performance Measurement System for Security Sector Interventions (PDF)
Ann M Fitz-Gerald, Dr Sylvie Jackson
Broader and more comprehensive approaches to post-conflict interventions have been developed by both the security and development communities. Such comprehensive and ‘joined-up’ 1 approaches have enjoyed huge gains at the policy and planning levels, particularly in wider security policy areas such as Security Sector Reform (SSR). Integrated planning cells, joint assessment teams and missions, joint doctrine and cross-Government steering committees all represent mechanisms which have facilitated the broader approach to security and development work and between two fields which – in the past – rarely interacted at both the strategic planning and operational levels. Despite the gains felt at the policy and programming levels, the way in which such programmes are managed on the ground – and evolved, monitored and measured – still requires much work. Due to the multi-faceted nature of SSR with complex challenges associated with issues related to inter-dependencies, sequencing, change, cross-impacts and contingencies, there still exists a significant research gap exploring the broader management challenges of SSR interventions. Because the mainstay of research supporting SSR is undertaken primarily by specialists in the fields of conflict, development, political and global security studies, such management-related dilemmas for SSR specialists have not enjoyed deep investigation
HIV/AIDS and POLICE (PDF)
Hilary Pearce
Police play a complex and interlinked role with the communities they serve and the occurrence of HIV/AIDS adds an extra layer of complexity to that relationship. There is a lack of solid data and empirical research about HIV/AIDS and the police, its impacts and the lessons which have so far been identified. The vast majority of conclusions which have been drawn are speculative and based on anecdotal evidence. Furthermore, out of all the uniformed forces, the police are the forgotten force with to-date much of the ‘security sector’ research derived solely from the activity of military forces. Where the literature refers to the police as part of uniformed actors, they are quickly forgotten in the substance of the research. Consequently much of the evidence and debate surrounding uniformed actors is based solely on facts and figures taken from the world’s armies. The vast majority of literature on HIV/AIDS and uniformed services can be distilled into three categories. Firstly, the effects of HIV/AIDS on a nation state and its institutions both with regard to the macroeconomic effects and also to the security of a nation. Secondly, the effect uniformed actors have on the spread of HIV/AIDS amongst the civilian population. Finally, the literature looks at the effect of on HIV/AIDS on the functionality and effectiveness of uniformed actors. Other areas including specific studies on gender issues within HIV/AIDS and police, implications for wider security sector reform (SSR) programmes, and the effects of policing policies and practices on the spread of HIV/AIDS all form part of a significant gap in the research.
Expanding the DDR Model: Politics and Organisations (PDF)
Mark Knight
The immediate post-conflict environment requires a number of interventions from national and international actors. The international community has developed several mechanisms and methodologies to assist stabilization strategies that support the development of the wider peace process, or the transition from armed conflict to a stable peace. One of the most immediate interventions has become generically defined as Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) programmes. This field continues to be defined and codified, for example, through the UN Integrated DDR Standards and the OECD-DAC's Implementation Framework for Security System Reform (IF-SSR). The current international models require continued discussion and development on strengthening the linkages between DDR and SSR activities. As part of this discussion and development process this paper argues that there remains a need to understand the DDR process in a more holistic manner with two specific areas requiring greater attention: First, the process of DDR should be viewed as a continuation of the political dialogue, and not purely as a programmatic undertaking; second, it is essential that the concept of demobilisation be expanded to encompass the transformation of the organization in question, as well as the requirements of individuals. This paper therefore argues that an armed insurgent organization requires specialized and focused assistance to evolve from an armed insurgent organization into an entity that possesses a future role within a peaceful environment. Neither of these points is reflected in current DDR models, programmes or practices. By adopting these concepts the linkages between DDR and SSR activities will be strengthened.
Counter-Terrorism and the National Security of African States (PDF)
Andrew Atta-Asamoah
Africa’s recognition of the threat of terrorism to the continent has culminated in the galvanisation of national, regional and international efforts towards counter-terrorism. By addressing the safety of citizens, protection of territorial integrity and preservation of the primacy of states, these efforts converge with the classical demands of the national security of African states. However, certain practical fallouts from the implementation of these measures - such as human rights abuses - diverge from the overarching purpose of national security of states and undermine national cohesion and democratic principles. This article juxtaposes post-9/11 counter-terrorism efforts in Africa and the national security of African states arguing that more effective implementation strategies supporting counter-terrorism initiatives in Africa will not only help rid the continent of terrorist activities and associated threats but also help combat other criminal aspects of African society and security threats. However, if the drivers of Africa’s counter-terrorism agenda do not steer initiatives clear of parochial politics and religion, the security of African states will be undermined by counter-terrorism.