Security Sector Governance and Reform: Back to Basics

Abstract

[Security sector reform (SSR) is an important element of interventions in transition societies. The article evaluates the concept of security sector reform and its application, and it draws lessons for future SSR activities. The article proceeds in three sections: first, the basic objectives and activities of SSR programmes and strategies are reviewed; second, challenges and lessons of applied SSR are elaborated; and, third, it is argued that most SSR activities are not implemented as intended and may even weaken their stated objectives. The article concludes with a plea for a return to SSR basics as well as a continuous engagement with the conceptual and practical development of SSR.]