The impact of International Assistance on Security Sector Reform

Abstract

International donors have become more interested and involved in efforts related to the security sector reform (SSR) in countries emerging from conflicts, despite of the fact that this field is a relatively new as it appeared in late 1990s.

This thesis explores factors that influence the success and failure ofinternational assistance for security sector reform in developing countries. To achieve this aim, this thesis evaluates how international assistance disbursements practices influence SSR using internationally supported security sector reform in Sierra Leone, Haiti, and Afghanistan as case studies. It examines the practical applicability of three key principles, coordination, local ownership, and long term commitment, by international and local SSR stakeholders and evaluates the relationships between this applicability and the effectiveness of SSR.

Evidences from the case studies suggest that to build effective security institutions capable of providing efficient security, three principles should be followed. First, long-term political commitment of donor countries and durable disbursement of assistance are required to ensure the success of the reform process due to its lengthy nature. Second, coordination among internal agencies in donor countries and with other international and local partners is needed to overcome the conflicting reform strategies, priorities or approaches resulted from the multicity of SSR stakeholders. Finally, assertion of national authorities over local ownership of the implemented SSR programs and projects is critical for sustainability of the process.

The thesis draws lessons and provides recommendations to Yemen, which intended to enhance the impact of international assistance on the current security sector reform in Yemen and to ensure a more effective utilization of the assistance in various SSR programs.