ABSTRACT
Conventional donors, mainly Euro-American countries, argue that the speed of post-war recovery depends upon the degree of democratisation of the security sector. The United Kingdom (UK) has been leading the traditional approach to peacebuilding. This chapter focuses on Nepal, where a post-agreement peace process makes Security Sector Reform (SSR) needs different from those in post-conquest or war contexts. It provides an understanding of the UK approach in SSR and UK–Nepal relations. 'Reform' is perceived as a process to improve institutions characterised by malperformance. Police in Nepal made this an issue of institutional pride. The Department for International Development euphemistically describes 'police reform' in Nepal as a 'police modernisation' programme. The Nepal Police has limited infrastructure to respond to crime and disorder. The chapter presents published and field information separately. It analyses the drivers, nature and implications of UK involvement and draws conclusions.
