Almanac on Security Sector - Oversight in the Western Balkans 2012
Almanac on Security Sector - Oversight in the Western Balkans 2012
Contributor(s): Franziska Klopfer (Editor), Douglas Cantwell (Editor), Miroslav Hadžić (Editor), Sonja Stojanović (Editor)
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Civil Society, Governance, Security and defense, Inter-Ethnic Relations
Published by: BCBP Beogradski centar za bezbednosnu politiku
Keywords: Western Balkan; Security Sector Reform (SSR); Civil Society Oversight; Transparency; Democratic Governance
Summary/Abstract: While official cooperation and exchange between Western Balkan states have significantly improved in the last few years, the transparency of security governance across the region is still weak. Information about which security actor is in charge of which domain, what their competencies are, who controls different actors and what their budgets are is not consistently available in all countries. This lack of transparency impedes national oversight of the security sector and also hinders the confidence building necessary for regional security cooperation. In a post-conflict environment where security issues are still predominantly discussed from collectivist and ethno-nationalist perspectives, greater availability of information and analysis based on thorough research could help prevent the emergence of new security dilemmas.
- Print-ISBN-13: 978-86-83543-99-1
- Page Count: 305
- Publication Year: 2012
- Language: English
Chapter 1 – Albania
Chapter 1 – Albania
(Chapter 1 – Albania)
- Author(s):Arjan Dyrmishi, Mariola Qesaraku, Besnik Baka
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Civil Society, Governance, Government/Political systems, Security and defense
- Page Range:15-45
- No. of Pages:31
- Keywords:security sector; Albania; Security Sector Reform; Civilian Oversight; Albanian Constitution (1998); Democratic Institutions
- Summary/Abstract:This chapter analyses the accountability system over the security sector in Albania. The analysis focuses on accountability of the democratically elected institutions that form the mechanism of checks and balances, and accountability of security sector institutions to these democratically elected institutions. The institutions analysed are the executive, parliament, judiciary, the Albanian Armed Forces, law enforcement agencies and the intelligence services.
Chapter 2 – Bosnia and Herzegovina
Chapter 2 – Bosnia and Herzegovina
(Chapter 2 – Bosnia and Herzegovina)
- Author(s):Denis Hadžović, Emsad Dizdarević
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Constitutional Law, Civil Society, Government/Political systems, Security and defense
- Page Range:47-70
- No. of Pages:24
- Keywords:Security Sector Reform (SSR); Democratic Oversight; International Community Involvement; Civilian Control; Bosnia and Herzegovina Constitution
- Summary/Abstract:Among the basic conditions for successful state management in a post conflict setting is the establishment of democratic civilian control and oversight over the security sector as well as its integration and consolidation. This is a difficult and sensitive task, since the security sector includes institutions directly involved in the realisation of the state’s most basic function: guaranteeing national security. As a result, the security sector reform process is a significant part of the overall political, economic, social and institutional transformation of state structures. Successful transformation is reflected in the application of quality oriented democratic oversight of the whole security sector community, consisting of both state and non-state actors engaged in the process of maintaining national security.
Chapter 3 – Croatia
Chapter 3 – Croatia
(Chapter 3 – Croatia)
- Author(s):Sandro Knezović, Zvonimir Mahečić
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Governance, Government/Political systems, Security and defense
- Page Range:73-100
- No. of Pages:28
- Keywords:Security Sector Reform (SSR); Democratic Transition; Political Elites; Euro-Atlantic Integration; Civilian Oversight
- Summary/Abstract:This chapter will discuss major elements influencing the building of security sector structures and underlying oversight mechanisms in the Republic of Croatia (RoC). In order to do so, this paper provides: 1. a chronology and brief analysis of the relevant events for Security Sector Reform (SSR) in Croatia; and 2. a framework of the main processes influencing this reform throughout the corresponding periods.
Chapter 4 – Kosovo
Chapter 4 – Kosovo
(Chapter 4 – Kosovo)
- Author(s):Florian Qehaja, Mentor Vrajolli
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Constitutional Law, Governance, Government/Political systems, Security and defense
- Page Range:103-127
- No. of Pages:25
- Keywords:Kosovo; Security Sector Reform (SSR); Civilian Oversight; Institution Building; Kosovo Independence; International Support
- Summary/Abstract:The security sector reform and development in Kosovo is in its early, formative stages. As this chapter will show, an entirely new security sector was built up from scratch and with direct support from the international community within a relatively short period of time. Because Kosovo security institutions have only been set up recently they have not been able to fully take up all their functions. Considering the circumstances in which the Kosovo security sector developed, any concrete assessment of local capacities to implement public policies should not start until after the 2008 Declaration of Independence. Only after this was the Kosovo security sector handed to locals. As a result, for the first time in Kosovo’s history preconditions were created for establishing civilian and democratic control of the security sector (KCSS, 2011).
Chapter 5 – Macedonia
Chapter 5 – Macedonia
(Chapter 5 – Macedonia)
- Author(s):Andreja Bogdanovski
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Governance, Government/Political systems, Security and defense, EU-Approach / EU-Accession / EU-Development
- Page Range:129-156
- No. of Pages:28
- Keywords:Macedonica; Security Sector Reform; Democratic Oversight; Police Accountability; Macedonian Institutions; EU/NATO Integration
- Summary/Abstract:Macedonia shows a solid track record reforming its security sector. Much progress has resulted from the efforts to facilitate EU and NATO integration. Good governance and democratic control of its security sector were part of these reforms but not all security sector actors have reformed at the same pace. The objective of this chapter is to provide an overview of the accountability and oversight of Macedonia’s main security actors since its independence in 1991.
Chapter 6 – Montenegro
Chapter 6 – Montenegro
(Chapter 6 – Montenegro)
- Author(s):Rajko Radević, Emir Kalač
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Governance, Government/Political systems, Security and defense
- Page Range:159-179
- No. of Pages:21
- Keywords:Montenegro; Democratic Parliamentary Oversight; Security Sector Reform; Financial Transparency; Montenegro Institutions
- Summary/Abstract:The aim of this chapter is to provide insight into the current state of the reform of the security sector in Montenegro, critically evaluating this process in order to identify key trends, achievements and challenges. The analysis will concentrate on patterns of democratic accountability in the security sector.
Chapter 7 – Serbia
Chapter 7 – Serbia
(Chapter 7 – Serbia)
- Author(s):Predrag Petrović, Gorana Odanović, Đorđe Popović, Marko Savković, Jelena Radoman
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Civil Society, Government/Political systems, Security and defense
- Page Range:181-209
- No. of Pages:29
- Keywords:Serbia; Security Sector Reform; Democratic Accountability; Oversight Mechanisms; Human Rights Compliance; Financial Transparency
- Summary/Abstract:The security sector in a post authoritarian and post conflict country, such as Serbia, can be one of the greatest obstacles to the consolidation of democracy. The main question of this chapter, therefore, is what are the achievements and weaknesses of Serbian security sector accountability and what repercussions does this have on democracy? In this chapter, we will focus on two components of accountability: legal compliance and respect for human rights, and transparency of resource allocation and spending. We will focus especially on accountability of security sector institutions to the government ministry under whose authority it is placed (vertical accountability) and also to other branches of government or institutions (horizontal accountability). These two aspects were chosen because our research indicates implementation in these areas is deficient, but also because respect for human rights and financial accountability are important issues for good public governance. Further consideration is given to patterns of democratic accountability in the security sector, including: oversight mechanisms, their development and functioning, their performance and level of accountability, as well as achievements and weaknesses.
Accountability of Statutory Security Actors in the Western Balkans
Accountability of Statutory Security Actors in the Western Balkans
(Accountability of Statutory Security Actors in the Western Balkans)
- Author(s):Miroslav Hadžić
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Governance, Government/Political systems, Security and defense
- Page Range:211-236
- No. of Pages:26
- Keywords:Security Sector Reform (SSR); Democratic Governance; Western Balkans
- Summary/Abstract:This chapter presents a comparative analysis of some key findings generated from regional research on security sector reform (SSR) in the Western Balkans. Its aim is to determine the level of progress in implementation of principles of democratic governance of the security sector in the countries of the region. For this purpose, key indicators are the existence and application of procedures which establish the accountability of statutory actors in undertaking security-related tasks. These include procedures used to make statutory actors accountable to legitimate state authorities and citizens for their actions or inaction. The chapter focuses on findings related to the responsibility of the military, police and intelligence services, including their civilian leadership, which together constitute the statutory component of the security sector.
Security Sector Reform Index: Measuring to Advance Democratisation
Security Sector Reform Index: Measuring to Advance Democratisation
(Security Sector Reform Index: Measuring to Advance Democratisation)
- Author(s):Sonja Stojanović Gajić
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Civil Society, Governance, Government/Political systems, Security and defense
- Page Range:239-271
- No. of Pages:33
- Keywords:Security Sector Reform (SSR); Civil Society Oversight; Democratic Governance; Western Balkans
- Summary/Abstract:While struggles for oversight and accountability of security providers are issues as old as the study of democratisation itself, the interest of the international community in security reform in other countries is a newer phenomenon. Security sector reform (SSR) has been a major priority of international donors during the last two decades. As a region, the Western Balkans has been a focal point for SSR efforts, with substantial input from the international community. The ultimate goal behind the prioritisation of SSR has been stabilization of the region by re-establishing functioning state security institutions and oversight mechanisms. However, activities aimed at developing civil society’s capacity to actively practice oversight over state and non-state security providers and their controllers were limited. More common were state-centric approaches to SSR. Missing was a holistic approach to SSR that acknowledges civil society as an important pillar of governance emphasizing democratic control, promoting transparency and independently monitoring security providers in order to increase their accountability.
Grades for Parliamentary Control and Oversight, General Transparency and Financial Transparency
Grades for Parliamentary Control and Oversight, General Transparency and Financial Transparency
(Grades for Parliamentary Control and Oversight, General Transparency and Financial Transparency)
- Author(s):Author Not Specified
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Civil Society, Security and defense
- Page Range:273-301
- No. of Pages:29
- Keywords:Financial Transparency; Civil Society Monitoring; Security Sector Reform (SSR)
- Summary/Abstract:Below is a compilation of grades given for three of the eight criteria used as indicators in the methodology of the project Civil Society Capacity Building to Map and Monitor Security Sector Reform in the Western Balkans, 2009-2011: 1) parliamentary control and oversight; 2) general transparency; and 3) financial transparency. The information contained below is by no means comprehensive and is meant only to showcase a limited selection of the results of the project.
Contributing organizations
Contributing organizations
(Contributing organizations)
- Author(s):Author Not Specified
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Security and defense
- Page Range:302-304
- No. of Pages:3
