ABSTRACT
In the past decade there have been signicant developments in the concept of security sector reform in con ict zones and postcon ict zones, and in the concept’s practical application in the eld. e Brahimi report (Brahimi, 2000) provided the original catalyst for this fundamental rethink by both theorists and practitioners of international development. e report was a global assessment of the ability of the United Nations (UN) to conduct peace operations eectively. Brahimi documented the persistent and longstanding failure of the UN to meet the most fundamental element in its charter, namely “to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war” (Manning, 2005, p. vii). In an attempt to rectify this parlous record, Brahimi asserted the importance of security sector reform in bringing about and maintaining the stability necessary to allow for the transition from war to peace. Within the compass of security sector reform, he saw reform of the civilian police as a vital step, and in his recommendations he addressed the deployment of international civilian police experts and called for: “… a doctrinal shi in the use of civilian police…in complex peace operations …” (Manning, 2005, p. 54).
