Previous page | New search |
The free AfricaBib App for Android is available here
Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | Post-conflict security sector reform and the challenge of ownership: the case of Liberia |
Author: | Andersen, Louise |
Year: | 2007 |
Periodical: | Liberian Studies Journal |
Volume: | 32 |
Issue: | 2 |
Pages: | 17-27 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | Liberia |
Subjects: | national security popular participation human security |
Abstract: | Security sector reform (SSR) is part of a wider peacebuilding, conflict prevention and postconflict reconstruction agenda. It emphasizes democracy, good governance and human rights and goes beyond State-centric notions of security. SSR has become a pivotal part of international peacebuilding efforts. Donor agencies and Western governments are devoting substantial resources to strengthen the legitimacy and efficiency of war-torn societies' security systems. At the same time, it is commonly accepted that lasting solutions cannot be imposed on societies. In order to be sustained, reforms must be locally-owned. Based on an outline of the concept of SSR and a presention of two different approaches to ownership, this paper discusses the ongoing SSR process in Liberia in view of the recent shift from a transitional to a democratically elected government. It identifies dilemmas between the current SSR agenda and the objective of ownership, and argues that a more inclusive and less State-centred approach is needed. Bibliogr., notes. [ASC Leiden abstract] |