Security Sector Reform in Southeast Asia

Saferworld

‘security first’

Mark Duffield

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Security Sector Reform</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It prompts a renewed focus on the importance of civil-military relations, it speaks to a broader human security agenda and it raises important questions about the effectiveness of externally sponsored development programmes</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The article is called &quot;Security Sector Reform: Prospects and Problems&quot; and the author is Alex J. Bellamy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The article argues that while security sector reform along democratic lines can improve regional peace, there are numerous problems associated with implementing such changes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The &quot;new aid paradigm&quot; emphasizes the interconnectedness of security and development.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>SSR aims to maximize the efficacy of the armed forces in pursuing their legitimately and democratically decided goals through programmes designed to improve professionalism and democratic control of armed forces.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Control, Capacity, and Cooperation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>SSR aims to enhance the physical security of a state's inhabitants, contribute to broader processes of development and democratization, and encourage the development of a legitimate, non-transparent, politicized, or cadre-controlled armed force.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The main critique centers around the lack of empirical evidence to conclusively support the claim that democracies do not engage in war with each other.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The first criticism focuses on the democratic peace thesis, arguing that the empirical evidence is flawed and that the concept itself is overly simplistic. The second criticism focuses on the potential for SSR to be imposed by external actors, inhibiting indigenous ownership and potentially fostering instability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Professional armed forces have clearly defined and widely accepted roles, have the expertise necessary to fulfil their external and domestic functions, are characterized by clear rules defining responsibilities, and are characterized by promotion based on achievement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>SSR aims to enhance security through professionalization programs which create a more professional and capable armed force, and through the minimization of corruption and human rights abuses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>SSR can promote democratic peace by enhancing physical security, contributing to democratization, and fostering development programmes. The article posits that failing to address these areas can impede progressive change.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The lack of recognition of the interrelationship between security, development, and democratization. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>While East Timor represents a significant effort in SSR, the article posits that the externally driven nature of the process hinders its effectiveness and can lead to unintended consequences, such as the diversion of resources from other critical development areas.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The article recommends that SSR programs should be internally owned and adapted to the specific context of each country, and that international actors should prioritize supporting indigenous ownership and providing resources for key development areas.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The 'new aid paradigm' developed from the growing recognition that security and development are interdependent.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The new aid paradigm prompts a renewed focus on civil-military relations, a broader human security agenda, and questions about development programmes in insecure environments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Security and Development (A), Security and Democracy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Responsibility (A), Training (B), Role (C), Expertise (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The democratic peace thesis is flawed. (B), SSR can be an unstable process. (C), SSR is an agenda that has been imposed by the West. (F)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The three areas of concern are control, capacity, and cooperation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Two 'pitfalls' that the author identifies as challenging SSR are the democratic peace thesis and the fact that SSR involves an agenda that is imposed by the West.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The author suggests that SSR should focus on the relationship between the military, the civilian state, and civil society, and the socio-economic context.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The ASPI cites funding issues and the vagueness of the Falintil-FDTF's mission as problems. The ASPI also identifies concerns surrounding a possible politicization of the Falintil-FDTF.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The King's College report on security sector options for Timor suggested a force of 3000, composed equally of Falintil soldiers and volunteer reservists.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Two broader issues that are present throughout the Southeast Asia region are the potential for military coups and the influence that Western states may have on the region's security.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Three implications cited by the author regarding the Falintil-FDTF are the potential for the militarization of the economy, the possibility of a role in civil disturbance, and the potential for politicization.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The author suggests the key to effective SSR is that SSR must be owned and internalized, both domestically and internationally.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>One of the author's main arguments against SSR is that it can lead to a militarization of the economy, which can result in negative consequences for development.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>One of the author's main recommendations is that SSR programs should focus on building capacity and cooperation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A policy aimed at reforming security forces (like military and police) to be more legitimate, effective, and efficient, often in post-conflict or developing countries.

A shift in development aid where security and development are seen as interconnected.

The idea that security (stability) is needed for development to succeed, and vice versa. Improved security allows development to thrive, and successful development strengthens security.

All institutions involved in maintaining security, like the military, police, intelligence agencies, and related legal frameworks.

Characteristics of well-trained armed forces, including defined roles, technical skills, clear responsibilities, and promotion based on merit.

The idea that democratic countries are less likely to fight each other.

The importance of civilian oversight and control over the military in a democracy.

A broad concept focusing on threats to individuals beyond military warfare, including economic, social, and environmental risks.

Process of disbanding armed groups and returning ex-combatants to civilian life.

Fair and efficient use of power and resources by government.

The act of giving weapons to another country or group.

A country where security sector reform was/is implemented, demonstrating challenges and opportunities.

Importance of civilian leaders directing or commanding military actions.

An international agreement adopted in 2015 that aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, ideally to 1.5 degrees, compared to pre-industrial levels. It relies on nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and a review process to track progress.

Commitments made by each country outlining their actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. They are self-determined and reflect national circumstances and capabilities.

A key feature of the Paris Agreement where countries submit their NDCs and agree to review and update them every five years, allowing for flexibility and ambition over time.

The Paris Agreement's approach of allowing countries to make their own commitments, tailored to their specific circumstances, rather than imposing top-down regulations.

The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, ideally to 1.5 degrees, compared to pre-industrial levels.

The balance between legally binding commitments, which may encourage conservative promises, and less binding ones, which could be more detailed and ambitious, but may lack enforcement.

Substances like soot and methane that contribute to climate change but have a shorter lifespan in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, making them a potential target for quick reductions.

Financial resources provided by developed countries to developing countries to help them address climate change, through mitigation, adaptation, and capacity building.

The adverse effects of climate change that cannot be avoided, even with mitigation and adaptation measures. The Paris Agreement addresses this by providing support to vulnerable countries.

A group of nations that advocated for ambitious climate goals, like limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, but lacked a concrete plan and relied mainly on rhetoric.

Realistic targets for limiting global warming that consider the current state of emissions and the feasibility of achieving significant reductions.

The importance of countries being open about their emissions, actions, and progress towards their climate goals, to ensure accountability and trust.

Requirements for a treaty to take effect. In the Paris Agreement, these provisions are less stringent, indicating that the agreement was designed to be implemented quickly.

Collaboration between two countries to address climate change, such as the US-China agreement announced in 2014, suggesting that smaller groups can drive meaningful action.

Negotiations and diplomatic efforts to address climate change, involving international collaboration and agreements.

The adverse effects of climate change on the environment, societies, and economies, such as extreme weather events, sea level rise, and biodiversity loss.

Actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit the severity of climate change, such as using renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and reducing deforestation.

Adjusting to the impacts of climate change that are already happening, such as building seawalls to protect coastal communities or developing drought-resistant crops.

The release of gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, into the atmosphere, which trap heat and contribute to global warming.

The state of the atmosphere before significant human activities began to release greenhouse gases, used as a benchmark for measuring climate change.

A scientific body that provides comprehensive assessments of climate change, its causes, impacts, and potential responses.

A long-term shift in average weather patterns, including changes in temperature, precipitation, and sea levels, primarily caused by human activities.

Nations with high levels of economic development, often considered responsible for a larger share of historical greenhouse gas emissions.

Nations with lower levels of economic development, often facing greater vulnerability to climate change impacts.

Nations experiencing rapid economic growth, such as China, Brazil, and Korea, and increasingly playing a crucial role in global environmental agreements.

The disproportionate effects of climate change on marginalized populations, especially those in developing countries, who have contributed less to the problem but experience greater harm.

Global efforts by countries working together to address climate change through agreements, sharing knowledge, and collaborating on solutions.

The economic, environmental, and social implications of not taking decisive action to address climate change, which could be far more costly than taking action.

The agreement is seen as a significant step in the global effort to address climate change, providing a framework for continued action and progress.