Summary Disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) and security sector reform (SSR) processes should be interrelated and mutually reinforcing. As DDR and SSR share the same objective--consolidation of the state’s monopoly of force to uphold the… Read more
Corruption in the security sector damages society’s trust in the government. Donors must coordinate on anti-corruption programs and make sure not to engage in corruption themselves.SummaryCorruption in the security sector damages society’s trust in the… Read more
English Version - Iraq’s March 2010 elections delivered a surprising virtual tie in the ethnically mixed and strategically important province of Kirkuk, making it an opportune time for fresh thinking on how to address persistent disputes over its status… Read more
The January 12th earthquake in Haiti shook the justice system. Prior to the earthquake, Haiti had been making steady progress towards improving access to justice.SummaryThe January 12th earthquake in Haiti shook the justice system.Prior to the earthquake… Read more
Stability in Afghanistan will remain elusive unless disputes between individuals and among communities can be resolved through peaceful and equitable means. However, state justice institutions are barely functioning in much of the country and are… Read more
Security sector reform (SSR) is a highly complex and political process involving a range of international and local actors. There is a growing policy consensus that sustainability is a critical component of success for SSR programs, and that early local… Read more
The presidential and provincial council elections held in Afghanistan in August 2009 were marred by irregularities and fraud, leading voters and candidates to question the fairness and utility of the democratic process there. The Afghan government… Read more
USIP assesses the damage done by the devastating earthquake, and recommends strategies for Haiti’s recovery and reconstruction.SummaryOn January 12, 2010, Haiti suffered a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that destroyed much of the capital city of Port-au-Prince… Read more
As the impoverished country prepares for presidential and parliamentary elections, a new USIP report examines how to best ensure Haiti can continue its progress and development amid political transition.SummaryElevation of Haiti’s planning minister to… Read more
Summary In seven years, the Afghan National Police forces have grown to 68,000 personnel, with a target end strength of 86,000. The ANP includes the uniformed police force, which is responsible for general police duties, and specialized police forces,… Read more
Summary Foreign affairs experts routinely use historical analogy to develop and justify policy. However, as professional historians have long noted, attractive analogies often lead to bad policies. Officials regularly choose analogies that neglect or… Read more
Efforts to create an effective interior ministry and a professional and community oriented police force cannot succeed unless they are part of an overall effort for security sector reform. SSR, a relatively new concept, refers to the highly political and… Read more