Reconstituting and reforming institutions to provide security for acountry’s citizenry after pervasive conflict or mass violence is a highly complex, deeply political, process. This discussion focuses on the shared characteristics of successes and failures in Liberia, Kosovo, and Afghanistan. What worked where? Why were the goals of legitimate and effective institutions achieved in some theatres and not in others? By responding to these practical questions, this presentation will go beyond typical ‘lessons learned’ frameworks to generate useful principles to be followed in the design and implementation of future reform efforts.

The talk will be presented by Andrew Michels (Senior Civilian Advisor, Pakistan Afghanistan Coordination Cell, the Joint Chiefs of Staff) and Joey Ansorge (Consultant, Security Sector Governance).