Publication

This report serves as a primer toward understanding security sector reform (SSR) in societies emerging from conflict. It is based on statements by panelists at a public forum held at the United States Institute of Peace on 22 May 2008. It introduces what SSR is, how it emerged and why it matters. Furthermore, it explores its relationship with the rule of law and the challenges of implementation and presents recommendations. The author argues that the US government needs to move from ad hoc SSR projects to a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach to SSR.