ABSTRACT
Experience from recent post-conflict reconstruction processes shows that the success of a security sector reform (SSR) project is directly correlated to the efficacy of disarmament activities. If there is no successful disarmament, the SSR model cannot achieve one of its main underlying goals, investing the state with a monopoly over the use of coercive force. The inverse is also accurate, as small arms reduction and control programmes will be hard-pressed to succeed until people feel secure, have confidence that the security forces are competent and acting in their interest and have legal recourse if their rights are violated. Most donors engaged in SSR activities recognize the need to integrate disarmament and weapons control activities into the SSR agenda in post-conflict countries. However, as the Afghan case demonstrates, theory often fails to translate into practice.
