Research in Security Sector Reform Policy

This book investigates the extent to which research has influenced and interacted with SSR policies, programmes and activities implemented by the UK in conflict-affected Sierra Leone. Varisco uses concepts and notions from the literature on the policy process and research utilisation to explore the ways in which research has influenced UK-led SSR policy. Here, the author analyses the evolution of the network of policy-makers, street-level bureaucrats, and researchers working on SSR in Sierra Leone, and argues that two main variables – an increased stability in the country and a progressive evolution of SSR in policy and research – contributed to the expansion of the policy network over time and to a better use of research by street-level bureaucrats on the ground. This title derives from the Sierra Leone case study a series of recommendations to improve the use of research by international organisations and bilateral donors working in fragile states

• State building
• Policy networks
• Evidence
• Security
• SSR
• Sierra Leone

“This is a very interesting and important book that engages with the role of epistemic communities and the interaction between research and policy within the world of post-conflict intervention. Based on well grounded research and work on communities of practice around Sierra Leone, this book has important repercussions for those interested in the generation, sharing and diffusion of knowledge and how that plays in to practical policy making – or not – in post-conflict environments.” (Paul Jackson, Professor of African Politics, University of Birmingham)

“Striking the right balance between long-term fundamental research and short-term operationally-driven investigation is as challenging today as it was 15-years ago.  This impressive book analyses the networks of policy-makers, officials, practitioners and researchers addressing SSR in Sierra Leone during and after the civil war. It provides specific and generic insights into the challenges of state and capacity-building.” (Alice Hills, Professor of Conflict Studies, Durham University)

“Dr Andrea Varisco’s critical assessment of the role of research in influencing SSR policy is much needed given the huge sums being spent on policy research and the patchy track record of externally-supported SSR processes. His analysis of British SSR policy in Sierra Leone unpacks the complex factors hindering the uptake of research findings by policymakers and suggests ways to better align external research and SSR assistance with difficult working contexts and needs on the ground.” (Dylan Hendrickson, Senior Fellow and Editor, Conflict, Security and Development, King's College London)

“This monograph is a smart and engaging examination of how research has influenced and partly shaped security sector reform in Sierra Leone after war ended in the country in 2002. In policy circles as well as academia, it is intuitively assumed that research is an important element of development programming. This book is a crucial contribution to understanding how this occurs in practice. The volume further enriches our understanding of the relationship between research, policy-making and programming and is highly recommended for it.” (Peter Albrecht, Senior Researcher, Peace, Risk and Violence, Danish Institute for International Studies)

• Conflict Armament Research, London, United Kingdom

  Andrea Edoardo Varisco

Andrea Edoardo Varisco works as Technical Adviser for Conflict Armament Research, an organisation that identifies and tracks illicit weapons in armed conflicts. Andrea has field experiences in numerous developing and conflict-affected states across Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. He received his PhD from the University of York (UK). 

Policies and ethics