Security Sector Reform, the European Way

With key researchers, policy-makers and practitioners in the field of Security Sector Reform (SSR) Peter Albrecht, Finn Stepputat and Louise Andersen contribute to the eBook: The Future of Security Sector Reform. The volume is published by the Centre for International Governance Innovation in Canada, and explores the complexities of reforming security and justice providers, particularly in states emerging from conflict. The book offers insight into what has worked, what has not and lessons that can be drawn in development, security and state-building for the future.

DIIS contribute the chapter Security Sector Reform, the European Way. It argues that SSR in the European context emerged from a development agenda, first within the UK’s DFID and subsequently in multilateral forums such as the OECD, the EU and the UN. It is a process that has been characterized as much by the developmentalisation of security as the securitisation of development.

This is evidenced by the holistic approach and governance focus of SSR, whereby security is regarded as provided by a system of actors within a framework of democratic accountability. Another defining feature of the European approach to SSR is its multi-layered nature. Though accompanied by an inherent tension, this attempt to merge state and non-state actors within one framework of reform - or transformation – is one of the most visible examples of the developmentalisation of security within SSR.

The chapter further argues that because SSR became associated with the failed/fragile state agenda, it was heavily influenced by the perception that cross-governmental integration would be decisive. A governance-focused political process involves military as well as development and political/diplomatic expertise. Finally, one of the characteristics of the European approach to SSR is the recognition that it is an inherently political process, neither solely technical in nature nor a matter of the efficiency of security forces alone.