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

A Beginner's Guide to Security Sector Reform (SSR)

SSR Beginners Guide

The Department for International Development (DFID) is reorganising its Security and Justice material with a view to presenting it on one website by the end of 2010.

For justice, conflict and fragile states resources visit the

Topic Guide:
SSR in the Arab Middle East

Security Sector Reform (SSR) in the Arab Middle East remains a highly sensitive and politicised subject in a region prone to internal and external influences on its security sectors. These influences have a direct impact on global security, making it a pertinent topic for those following developments in the region.

This topic guide aims to present an introduction to literature written on SSR in the region in general. It then presents an overview of the latest and most relevant SSR issues in three countries in the region which are all undergoing phases of SSR within their unique contexts: Iraq – post-war security sector rebuilding in a state with highly volatile armed actors; Lebanon – security sector reform within a delicate civil and political environment and a major armed actor; and Occupied Palestinian Territories – security sector reform within a delicate civil and political environment. Whilst not exhaustive, this guide hopes to cover most of the literature available on SSR in these countries. It must be noted that as of yet literature on the region and countries within it remains limited, but is increasing. Consequently, this guide will be regularly updated.

To download a pdf file of this Topic Guide, please click here.