Current Issue: Vol 6 Issue 1 - March 2008

Developing a Performance Measurement System for Security Sector Interventions
Ann Fitz-Gerald & Sylvie Jackson
View :
Microsoft Word Document
This paper explores the issue of performance measurement in SSR programmes. The work provides an overview of some of the ongoing challenges in operationalising the SSR debate and emphasises the importance of linkages between broader security-development agenda and tailored SSR programmes. Current performance-related work and ongoing activities in the wider SSR community are then reviewed. Lastly, the paper advocates for the utility of an adapted and simplified Balanced Scorecard approach to monitoring and measuring the progress of SSR programmes.

HIV/AIDS and POLICE
Hilary Pearce
View :
Microsoft Word Document
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. This paper is broken down into five sections: the attitudes of the police to HIV/AIDS; Risks and vulnerabilities of police to HIV/AIDS; the impact of HIV/AIDS on functional and specialist areas across the police services; the impact of police policies and attitudes on vulnerable groups and people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA); and the current police responses to the disease from an operational and programmatic perspective.

Expanding the DDR Model: Politics and Organisations
Mark Knight
View :
Microsoft Word Document
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
Andrew Atta-Asamoah
View :
Microsoft Word Document
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.
Most Popular Papers
1) Democracy, Capitalism and Development
2) Understanding Security Sector Reform
3) African Armed Forces and the Challenges of Security Sector Reform
4) Security Sector Reform, Conflict Prevention and Regional Perspectives
5) Landscape of Regional Cooperation: Its Meaning for a Security Sector Reform Network in Asia
6) An Overview Of The Ghana Police Service
7) Security Sector Reform Streamlining National Military Forces to Respond to the Wider Security Needs
8) Cash Payments in Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration Programmes in Africa
9) Demobilisation and Reintegration: The South African Experience
10) Wiring up Whitehall: Ensuring Effective Cross-Departmental Activity
Archive of Previous Issues
Vol 1 Issue 1 - April 2003
Vol 1 Issue 2 - June 2003
Vol 1 Issue 3 - December 2003
Vol 2 Issue 1 - March 2004
Vol 2 Issue 2 - June 2004
Vol 2 Issue 3 - September 2004
Vol 2 Issue 4 - December 2004
Vol 3 Issue 1 - Asia Special Edition
Vol 3 Issue 2 - Rocky Williams Special Edition
Vol 3 Issue 3 - July 2005
Vol 4 Issue 1 - January 2006
Vol 4 Issue 2 - April 2006
Vol 4 Issue 3 - September 2006
Vol 4 Issue 4 - November 2006
Vol 5 Issue 1 - May 2007
Vol 5 Issue 2 - October 2007
Vol 6 Issue 1 - March 2008