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132. Civil Society and Democratic Civil-Military Relations - the Case of Hungary
- Author:
- Ferenc Molnar
- Publication Date:
- 10-2002
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF)
- Abstract:
- The argument of this paper is that the early success of building DCMR does not mean real consolidation without active non-governmental actors and a dynamic civil society. Drawing attention to the non-state side of civil-military relations is crucial to improving the quality of DCMR in Hungary, and probably in general as well. The .horizontal actors. of civil-military relations could provide independent experts, or at least relatively independent experts other than the political parties. experts, for monitoring certain areas of civil-military relations. These organizations could be potential sources for civilian experts and could help decrease the level of corruption and the nonfunctional effects of political/bureaucratic coalition building between civilians and military leaders. In other words, it would improve the effective control of civilians over the military. Additionally, its role is to prevent the further alienation of citizens on military-related issues. Thus, a stronger horizontal dimension to CMR would also improve military integration into society.
- Topic:
- Security, Civil Society, and Development
- Political Geography:
- Europe
133. Border Control Services and Security Sector Reform
- Author:
- Alice Hills
- Publication Date:
- 07-2002
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF)
- Abstract:
- This paper provides a baseline of knowledge and reference materials to support future work on the role of border control services in security sector reform (SSR). It summarises the current state of research on border control services in the broader context of SSR, examines the discursive field, and identifies the relevance to border services of the concept of democratic control.
- Topic:
- Security, Defense Policy, Civil Society, and Politics
134. Legal Aspects of Security Sector Reform in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
- Author:
- Zoran Pajic
- Publication Date:
- 04-2002
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF)
- Abstract:
- The broadening and deepening of the concept of security has focused renewed attention on the appropriate role of the security sector in the political and economic systems of the states. Bloated and poorly regulated militaries are seen as a primary cause of severe distortion in the allocation of national resources between the security and non-security sectors. The negative development impact of a dysfunctional security sector is magnified in countries that have experienced a significant deterioration in their capacity to deliver services and in war-torn societies. In such cases, there is an urgent need to restore physical security, to optimise the use of scarce public resources, and to attract sustained external support for the recovery process.
- Topic:
- Conflict Resolution, Security, and Government
- Political Geography:
- Europe and Yugoslavia
135. Postmodern Power and Transnational Policing: Democracy, the Constabulary Ethic and the Response to Global (In)Security
- Author:
- James Sheptycki
- Publication Date:
- 04-2002
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF)
- Abstract:
- This paper argues that democratic control of policing, transnational and otherwise, is problematic in the contemporary period because of the nature of the postmodern power system. It describes the parameters of the policing field and notes that its separate sectors have different ways of being accountable to different sets of interests. Further is describes the transnational policing regime as a global polycentric power system and argues that there is no point from which the policing field could be governed. The paper then describes policing at the 'hard edge of postmodernity' showing what is at stake. The paper advances a normative conception termed the 'constabulary ethic' and argues that this might provide a moral compass for the nascent transnational subculture of policing. The minimum social conditions necessary for the emergence of the constabulary ethic are described and the principles that provides its 'normative glue' are elucidated. The paper ends by citing some practical examples where something like the constabulary ethic has been achieved.
- Topic:
- Security, Democratization, Globalization, and International Law
- Political Geography:
- United States
136. Learning From Best Practices of Parliamentary Oversight of the Security Sector
- Author:
- Hans Born
- Publication Date:
- 04-2002
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF)
- Abstract:
- Winston Churchill once labelled the parliament as the workshop of democracy, and it goes without saying that the parliament does play a central role in any democracy, though this role may greatly vary across political systems. While parliaments may range from ornamental to significant governing partners, they have some common characteristics, which include three basic functions that they perform: representing the people, making (or: shaping) laws, and exercising oversight. Parliaments articulate the wishes of the people by drafting new laws and overseeing the proper execution of those policies by the government. In short: the parliament is the mediator between government and the people.
- Topic:
- Security, Defense Policy, Democratization, and Politics
- Political Geography:
- Europe
137. Democratic Control of the Police and Police Reform in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Serbia
- Author:
- Marina Caparini and Graham Day
- Publication Date:
- 03-2002
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF)
- Abstract:
- DCAF's approach to police reform emphasises democratic control of policing as a priority before improving police efficiency and modernisation. This report builds on the analyses and recommendations offered by the Monk and Slater reports for police reform in FRY and Serbia, concentrating on those measures that may help restore professional integrity, democratic values and public confidence in the policing institution, such as accountability mechanisms, anti-corruption measures, and public consultation procedures. Only by embedding such mechanisms within police reform from the earliest stages will democratic policing develop in Serbia and Yugoslavia.
- Topic:
- Security and Migration
- Political Geography:
- Eastern Europe, Yugoslavia, and Serbia
138. The Estonian Border Guard
- Author:
- Colonel Aare Evisalu
- Publication Date:
- 03-2002
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF)
- Abstract:
- Following its formation, which lasted ten years, a modern, uniformed and fairly effective professional organisation, the Estonian Border Guard, was created. This organisation has in essence, decreased criminal activity at the border as well as illegal immigration. Furthermore, the Estonian Border Guard possesses a good potential for maritime rescue. According to various enquiries, the Border Guard has achieved the reputation of being the most trustworthy state institution, sharing first place with the President of the Republic.
- Topic:
- Security and Migration
- Political Geography:
- Eastern Europe
139. The Russian Federal Border Service: Lessons for Planning and Establishing Border Security Systems
- Author:
- Vladimir Mochalov
- Publication Date:
- 03-2002
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF)
- Abstract:
- Following the disintegration of the USSR, there was no decrease in the total length of the Russian border in comparison with that of the Soviet Union (more than 60'000 km²). The number of bordering countries rose from fifteen to sixteen. Furthermore, 13'500 km² of new boundaries were created. This figure represented a fifth overall length of the border). Yet, the new boundaries were not formalised in legal terms, they were not appropriately equipped and, in fact, lacked border guard control.
- Topic:
- Security, Government, and Regional Cooperation
- Political Geography:
- Russia, Europe, Asia, and Soviet Union
140. Border Security Systems: The Hungarian Case Study
- Author:
- Zoltán Szabó
- Publication Date:
- 03-2002
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF)
- Abstract:
- The Hungarian Republic is making significant efforts in trying to comply with European Union requirements. An efficient security policy that ensures the reliable surveillance of the borders, as well as the provision of the necessary access, is extremely important for Hungary, the "Visegrad region", and the EU. According to the EU, "Hungary is on the right track to adopt current and future union practices, if the pace of development remains constant and the development and training programmes of the most important institutions are realised".
- Topic:
- Security, Migration, and Regional Cooperation
- Political Geography:
- Europe and Hungary