Global Facilitation Network for Security Sector Reform (GFN-SSR)

How can the religious texts, values and beliefs used to incite conflict be harnessed to promote peace-building and reconciliation? What contributions can faith-based actors make to conflict resolution? This chapter from the SAGE Handbook of Conflict Resolution examines the ways in which religion can be used to inspire both war and peace. The revival of religiously motivated conflicts, and the increasing involvement of religious actors in resolving them, requires understanding of their dynamics.

Author: S. A. Kadayifci-Orellana Source: Kadayifci-Orellana, S. A., 2009, 'Ethno-Religious Conflicts: Exploring the Role of Religion in Conflict Resolution', in The SAGE Handbook of Conflict Resolution, eds., J. Bercovitch, V. Kremenyuk, and I. W. Zartman, SAGE, London, pp. 264-280 Size: 18 pages ()
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What is the Rajah Solaiman Movement? How did it emerge, develop and strengthen? Through the use of social movement theory to frame our analytical narrative, the authors examine how the demands and pressures of globalisation have helped to foment 'Balik Islam'. This Third World Quarterly article will reflect the possible extremes of Balik Islam by outlining the rise and fall of the Rajah Solaiman Movement, a Balik-Islam group. The article concludes that today's globalised world has constructed a set of circumstances, opportunities and challenges that creates significant new security problems for the governmental representatives of democratic states.

Author: Douglas Borer | Sean Everton Source: Borer D., Everton S., Jr M.N., 2009, 'Global Development and Human (In)security: Understanding the Rise of the Rajah Solaiman Movement and Balik Islam in the Philippines', Third World Quarterly, London: Vol. 30, Issue 1, pp 181 - 204 Size: 25 pages ()
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What role will the EU play in Kosovo's security sector reform (SSR)? What challenges does the EU-led presence face? This paper from the European Security Review takes Kosovo as a test case for the EU in striving for a comprehensive approach to SSR. A complex history and political background, ethnic divides and widespread corruption all pose challenges. In learning from experience and continuing present efforts, the EU must take up its responsibilities as a global actor in crisis management.

Author: Sophie Dagand Source: Dagand, S., 2008, 'The Prospects for a Future Kosovo: The Role of Security Sector Reform', European Security Review no.38, ISIS-Europe, Brussels Size: 2 pages (40kB)
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To what extent do military duties and requirements justifiably limit armed forces personnel from expressing their human rights? What examples of best practice can be found among Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) member states of integrating human rights into their armed forces? This handbook, by the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF), looks at successful best practice from member countries.

Author: Professor Ian Leigh | Dr Hans Born Source: Born, H. and Leigh, I., 2008, 'Handbook on Human Rights of Armed Forces Personnel', OSCE/ODIHR, Geneva, Switzerland Size: 256 pages (1.9 MB)
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How has Pakistan's judiciary contributed to the preservation or undermining of the rule of law? What steps must Pakistan's democratic leadership take to uphold constitutional government and respect for fundamental rights? This report from the International Crisis Group examines the role of Pakistan's judiciary in upholding fundamental rights, the rule of law and the constitution. It argues that the judiciary has failed to uphold the constitution and to oppose Islamic legislation that violates fundamental rights. Pakistan's return to civilian government provides an opportunity to restore the rule of law and repeal discriminatory laws that undermine fundamental rights and fuel extremism.

Author: International Crisis Group Source: International Crisis Group, 2008, 'Reforming the Judiciary in Pakistan', Asia Report No 160, International Crisis Group, Islamabad/Brussels Size: 42 pages (1.8 MB)
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What are the reasons for the rise and expansion of political Islam in Somalia? What is the nature of Somalia's Islamist actors? This book chapter examines the origins and status of political and military Islam in Somalia. It argues that fears of the threat posed by radical Islam in Somalia are exaggerated, but not totally unjustified. The strength of Somalia's Islamist actors has little to do with clan relations, but is instead based on the provision of security and basic services.

Author: Medhane Tadesse Source: Tadesse M., 2008, 'Sharia Courts and Military Politics in Stateless Somalia', in Hot Spot Horn of Afirca Revisited: Approaches to Make Sense of Conflict, Lit Verlag, Berlin Size: 5 pages ()
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What is the current state of human rights in the Maldives? This report, by the US Department of State, attempts to answer this question with respect to six key areas. These are respect for the integrity of the person, respect for civil liberties, respect for political rights, governmental attitude regarding investigation of alleged violations of human rights, discrimination, and workers' rights. The report notes that there were no reports of arbitrary or unlawful killings but the law continues to significantly restrict freedom of religion.

Author: US Department of State Source: US Department of State, '2008 Human Rights Report: Maldives', United States Department of State Size: 12 pages (104 kB)
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Security discourse focused on political-military treats to states may be missing the systemic shift to a security agenda driven more by transnational issues than inter-state conflict. This book of essays, published by the Henry L Stimson Center, presents views of local experts in the Middle East and South and Southeast Asia on security trends in their regions. Threats to state security cannot be understood without reference to general societal and economic trends, and trends in the relationships between human societies and nature.

Author: Amit Pandya | Ellen Laipson Source: Pandya A., Laipson E., (eds.), 2008, 'Transnational Trends: Middle Eastern and Asian Views', The Henry L. Stimson Center, Washington DC Size: 335 pages ()
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Is it possible to fight war and manage conflict at the same time? This book from the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) explores the causes of conflict and the critical role of conflict management in volatile political environments. Peacemaking and conflict management are essential for creating a less divided, less conflicted world despite the complexities and high odds against success. The international community can check hostile adversaries of the international order and make peace at the same time.

Author: Chester A. Crocker | Fen Osler Hampson Source: Crocker, C., Osler Hampson, F. and Aall, P., 2007, 'Leashing the Dogs of War', Introduction in Crocker, C., Osler Hampson, F. and Aall, P. (eds.) 'Leashing the Dogs of War: Conflict Management in a Divided World', United States Institute of Peace, Washington, D.C. Size: 726 pages ()
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To what extent have religious leaders in Afghanistan been involved in the reconstruction of the country? How do they view the Afghans and foreigners who are driving it? This paper, by the Cooperation for Peace and Unity, analyses the debates surrounding religious groups in the country and assesses their potential role as civil society actors. The paper argues that most religious leaders have a positive view of development. The government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) should make greater efforts to forge links with them.

Author: Kanishka Nawabi | Mirwais Wardak Source: Wardak, M., Zaman, I., and Nawabi, K., 2007, 'The Role and Functions of Religious Civil Society in Afghanistan: Case Studies from Sayedabad and Kunduz', Cooperation for Peace and Unity, Kabul Size: 53 pages (380 KB)
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What is the relationship between cultural status and group mobilisation? This working paper from the Centre for Research on Inequality, Human Security and Ethnicity (CRISE) analyses this relationship within the broader framework of horizontal inequalities - that is inequalities between culturally defined groups. Group grievances and violent conflict can emerge out of the inferior treatment or status afforded to different groups' cultural practices by the state. The most dangerous situations exist where all three dimensions of horizontal inequality - socioeconomic, political and cultural - run in the same direction.

Author: Arnim Langer | Graham K Brown Source: Langer, A. and Brown, G., 2007, 'Cultural Status Inequalities: An Important Dimension of Group Mobilization', CRISE Working Paper no. 41, Queen Elizabeth House, University of Oxford, Oxford. Size: 15 pages (140 KB)
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What factors determine the degree to which a country is democratic? This study in the European Journal of Political Economy uses a set of graphs and tables to present the pattern of democracy in the world, using the Gastil Index. A statistical analysis is then conducted. Regression techniques are used to analyse the effect on democracy of a number of variables. Poverty, Communism and the Muslim culture are revealed as the main barriers to democracy. Bayesian probability methods make explicit the concept of the 'risk' of countries being undemocratic. The analysis investigates whether the dynamics of the democratic deficit of the Muslim countries is stationary or transitory.

Author: Vani K. Borooah | Martin Paldam Source: Borooah,V.K. and Paldam,M., 2007, 'Why is the world short of democracy? A cross-country analysis of barriers to representative government', European Journal of Political Economy, Volume 23, Issue 3, September 2007, pp.582-604 Size: 24 pages ()
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Minority issues lie at the heart of many of the world's conflicts. Yet minority rights are often marginalised in peace processes and conflict prevention programmes. This study, by the Minority Rights Group, looks at Chechnya, Darfur, Kashmir, Kosovo and Sri Lanka. Understanding the warning signs provided by minority rights violations could prevent conflicts. Groups should not be separated along ethnic, religious or linguistic lines as a way of creating peace, as such divisions can entrench old hatreds and wounds in the long term.

Author: Clive Baldwin | Chris Chapman Source: Baldwin, C., Chapman, C. and Gray, Z., 2007, 'Minority Rights: The Key to Conflict Prevention'. Minority Rights Group International (MRG), Minority Rights Report, UK Size: 44 pages (435 KB)
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How successful has the recent post-war reconstruction of Afghanistan been in the light of historical experiences of similar reforms? This Third World Quarterly article argues that the conflation of post war reconstruction with a broader agenda for development and modernisation has brought out a wide range of tensions associated with social change. The entire project shows signs of severe contradictions that are adding to the problems caused by the growing insurgency.

Author: Astri Suhrke Source: Suhrke, A., 2007, 'Reconstruction as Modernization: the 'post-conflict' project in Afghanistan', Third World Quarterly, 28:7, 1291-1308. Routledge Size: 19 pages (182KB)
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Bhutan's draft constitution indicates that the King continues to structure his country for his own gain and neglects the welfare of citizens. This paper, published by the Druk National Congress (DNC), argues that current democratisation efforts in Bhutan are designed to continue absolute royal and elite control. All citizens need to assert their rights and appeal to the King to incorporate every level of society in legal provisions to build a constitutional monarchy.

Author: Druk National Congress | Rongthong Kunley Dorji Source: Druk National Congress, 2007, 'Bhutan: on a democratic path?', Druk National Congress, New Dehli Size: 7 pages (101kB)
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What factors have led to the failure of the international mission in Afghanistan to achieve its objectives of security and stability? Five years after their removal from power, the Taliban are back and have substantial support and effective military control over half of Afghanistan. This report from The Senlis Council argues that prioritising a narrow militaristic agenda over cooperation and development has left the fundamental problems of poverty and instability unaddressed.

Author: The Senlis Council Source: The Senlis Council, 2006, 'Afghanistan Five Years Later: The Return of the Taliban', The Senlis Council, London Size: pages ()
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Is the Muslim population of Kenya becoming more radicalised? What is the potential for the development of Islamic terrorism and increased religious conflict in the country? This paper by the Danish Institute for International Studies examines the historical and current situation of the significant Muslim minority in Kenya. It argues that although there is a potential for Islamic revivalism, there is little evidence for growing radicalisation or pro-terrorist attitudes among the Muslim population of Kenya. The key issue in addressing Muslim grievances, and preventing any possible radicalisation, is the problem of the political, social and economic underdevelopment of the Muslim-populated provinces.

Author: Bjørn Møller Source: Møller, B., 2006, 'Political Islam in Kenya', DIIS Working Paper no. 22, August Size: 30 pages ()
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What effect have attempts to alter the Security Sector Reform (SSR) agenda to meet immediate security challenges had on the overall state-building project in Afghanistan? This article by Mark Sedra provides an interim assessment of the SSR process and evaluates the strength of the foundations that it has set for the sector. The country's precarious political balance, depressed national economy and volatile security situation have created a difficult environment in which to implement SSR.

Author: Mark Sedra Source: Sedra, M., 2006, 'Security Sector Reform in Afghanistan: The Slide Towards Expediency', International Peacekeeping, Vol. 13, No.1, pp.94-110. Size: 18 pages (139kb)
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Divisions, rivalries and fragmentation of authority in the international community constitute as big an obstacle to peacebuilding as division and incoherence in war-torn nation states. Authored by Barnett R Rubin, this paper examines attempts to rebuild the Afghan state that illustrate the deficiencies of aid and assistance programmes as currently practiced by international institutions. Peacebuilding mechanisms proposed by the United Nations (UN) Secretary General's High-level Panel would bring order to the array of actors currently involved in international peacebuilding.

Author: Barnett R Rubin Source: Rubin, B. R., 2006, 'Peace Building and State-Building in Afghanistan: constructing sovereignty for whose security?', Third World Quarterly, Vol. 27, No. 1, pp 175 - 185, London Size: 2 pages (33.5 kB)
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What is Hizbollah's outlook in the current conflict with Israel? This Carnegie Endowment for International Peace paper examines Hizbollah's thinking and argues that while it did not deliberately ignite or expect a large-scale conflict, it has not shied away from using it to service its regional and domestic objectives of undermining Israel. With the advent of United Nations Resolution 1701 and a formal ceasefire, the issue of Hizbollah's disarmament is a powerful potential logjam, which could result in continued strife.

Author: Amal Saad-Ghorayeb Source: Saad-Ghorayeb, Amal, 2006, 'Hizbollah's Outlook in the Current Conflict', The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, USA Size: 10 pages (122kB)
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What effect are faith-based NGOs having on religion and society in Kosovo? What are the possible consequences of leaving the provision of services in rural Kosovo to Saudi-funded religious organisations? This paper from the Kosovar Institute for Policy Research and Development (KIPRED) examines the activities of Saudi-funded faith-based organisations in Kosovo. It argues that the international community, by neglecting rural areas of Kosovo, is enabling these organisations to promote an intolerant and divisive brand of Islam.

Author: Isa Blumi Source: Blumi, I. (2005). 'Political Islam Among the Albanians: Are the Taliban coming to the Balkans? 2nd Edition', KIPRED: Prishtina. Size: 38 pages (309 kB)
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How fertile a region is Kenya and Tanzania for Al Qaida? What is the potential for recruitment in these areas? This Studies in Conflict & Terrorism paper examines the 'soft underbelly' of global terrorism. Assessing the scope for terrorist activity, strategies are considered to prevent Kenya and Tanzania from becoming active recruiting grounds for the global Islamist jihadist movement.

Author: William Rosenau Source: Rosenau, W., 2005, Al Qaida Recruitment Trends in Kenya and Tanzania, Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, Vol. 28, No. 1 Size: 10 pages ()
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To what extent do non-state actors provide policing in Africa? Policing is defined as any organised activity that seeks to ensure the maintenance of communal order and security through prevention, deterrence, investigation and punishment. Policing in Africa is increasingly diversified away from the state to non-state formal and informal agencies. This Journal of Contemporary African Studies paper explores these complex and changing patterns of overlapping policing agencies and introduces a typology of the categories and features of policing groups.

Author: Bruce Baker | www.africanpolicing.org Source: Baker, B., 2004, 'Protection from Crime: What is on Offer for Africans?', Journal of Contemporary African Studies, 22, 2, 165-188. Size: 24 pages (140 kB)
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This paper outlines findings and recommendations from an ethnographic study conducted for the Centre for Democracy & Development in six Nigerian states from December 1998 to January 1999. Extensive evidence of militarism is documented in six institutions that also have the potential to serve as key instruments of social democracy: the family, the educational system, community relations, religion, the judiciary and the economy. In response, the paper recommends ways of strengthening and democratising civil society through awareness-raising workshops, conferences and community media initiatives.

Author: B Agozino B. and U Idem Source: Agozino, B. and Idem, U., 2001, 'Nigeria: Democratising a Militarised Civil Society', Centre for Democracy and Development Occasional Paper Series, no. 5 Size: pages ()
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Non-state justice and security (NSJS) systems deal with the majority of disputes in developing countries and are an important complement to formal state justice. What is the best way for donors and governments to engage with them? What are the policy options that increase security and justice for the poor and marginalised? This study from the Department for International Development explores this issue drawing on examples from Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Author: Keith Mackiggan Source: Department for International Development (DFID), 2004, Non-state Justice and Security Systems: A Guidance Note, DFID, London Size: pages ()
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