The Security Institutions Programme (SIP) examines the evolving roles, responsibilities and relevance of security institutions, as well as implications of their changing place in society for security sector governance (SSG) and security sector reform (SSR). SIP activities include background and desk research; mapping exercises; identification of and research on under-explored issues and missing links between academic research and practical and policy support; as well as applied research-driven policy recommendations. Previous SIP activities have focussed on engaging armed nonstate actors in SSG and SSR. On-going projects focus on mapping internal roles of armed forces; examining military protection of civilian humanitarian operations; mapping and comparing roles of European gendarmeries; and exploring the use of force and police-military relations in international peace operations. The most recent project explores SSR’s role as an expression of the security-development nexus and options for mapping, tracking and measuring development dividends of SSR programmes and activities. Plans are currently developed and support is sought for a new project on the role of security sector governance and reform for the provision of security in urban environments.
Findings are shared through expert and public workshops and seminars; contributions to training activities in the form of learning modules and supporting literature; background studies and policy advice for governments and international organizations; as well as conference papers and publications.