Role of Military and Civil Agencies in Post War Reconstruction - Research Proposal Example

Role of military and civil agencies in post war reconstruction Background The phase of post war reconstruction is critical because it can not onlyprevent further conflicts, but it can also pave the way towards long term development in a war ridden territory (Carafano and Dillon, 2005). Policymakers and researchers are divided in the opinion when it comes to the question of who should take the lead in post-war reconstruction – the military or civil agencies. While some of them feel that military is much more capable of providing a higher level of security is more critical, others are of the opinion that civilian bodies can handle both the economic as well as social issues that emerge after a conflict (Cohen, 2006). The proposed study aims to assess which of these bodies are most appropriate for leading the development process as a part of post war reconstruction. While in the past it was assumed that the role of reconstruction should be exclusively handled by the civilian agencies, there have been numerous instances where military has played an active and leading role in the post war reconstruction. During World War 2, the United States had trained many military personnel for aspects such as establishing transport systems, providing utilities, public health and safety, education, sanitation and general welfare or more commonly known as military operations other than war (Barkat and Zyk, 2009; Beebe, Shannon and Kaldor, 2010). The concept of military playing an active role in post conflict reconstruction came to the limelight after the establishment of PRTs (Provincial Reconstruction Teams) in Afghanistan during 2002. The PRTs initially consisted of civil officers; it later started including members of security forces and military because it provided greater efficiency. Led by a military officer, these groups have the aim to take actions that provide quick results when it comes to reconstruction (Cole and Hsu, 2010). While military developmental operations can be presumed to be more targeted and executed with precision, the civil agencies are better connected and organized to stream line funding and operations. There are several examples where troops have been deployed to assist in development work. For example, Japan sent a 200 personnel contingent called the Self Defence Forces, for the reconstruction of South Sudan and Jaba (AFP, 2011). Also there are numerous examples of civilian aid agencies like the USAID and DFID toward building a better future for the war torn regions like Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine, Latin America and Sudan (Atmar and Goodhand, 2002). Examples of two such nations – Sudan and Liberia are mentioned below. Sudan is nation that has seen a high level of destruction because of years of Civil war within the country. The famine and the war situation created a big challenge in terms of reconstruction in terms of infrastructure, economic revival, rehabilitation, administration as well as politics and culture (Al-Affendi, 2002). USAID has played an important role in Sudan and it focussed on six key areas that need attention. They included – funding for basic necessities such as water, shelter, hygiene, sanitation and so on; food aid; providing peace and security; helping the economy to grow; investing in people through better health support, education etc; aiding the civic process by helping in governance (Al-Affendi, 2002). Post the division of Sudan into Sudan and South Sudan, the DFID has implemented plans to support both these nations by having separate offices in each of the countries. They spend around 46 million pounds annually in this region (DFID, 2011). The priorities of DFID in Sudan include improving the security in the border areas, providing access to good healthcare, education and sanitation, helping the humanitarian needs in sensitive areas like Darfur and helping the society to make the best possible use of the funding to alliviate poverty (DFID, 2011). The US military forces have also contributed in a large scale to Sudan for over 3 decades. During the 1980s, it was noticed that the military equipment used by Sudan had become outdated. The US mlitary assisted the Sudanese defence forces in upgrading their equipment. However, there was a hiatus in assistance because of the military coup in the late 80s. In recent times, the US military has joined the efforts to build the nation of South Sudan, the new nation that has been battling many internal conflicts (CSIS, 2004). Liberia is another nation that has been plagued with Civil War and internal conflicts. With multiple conflicts taking place across the countryey from 1989 to 2003, Liberia saw massive destruction in terms economy, basic facilities, culture and society (Ikemenjima, 2008). Democracy and human rights also suffered considerably. Post the dissolution of the military in 2003, the United States military has been helping Liberia in terms of military asssistance. In the same year, President Bush sent around 4000 troops to enter Liberia to support both the United Nations and the other West African countries to restore order in the region and provide the much needed humanitarian assistance (Fidler, 2010). In 2006, it began to help in recruiting and training over 2000 soldiers in the region to ensure both internal and external security (Fidler, 2010). After the establishment of the AFL (Armed Forces of Liberia) in 2007, renovated training facilities were established at three different bases and they began to equip the AFL to conduct trainings through a mentoring program (Fidler, 2010). USAID has also played a critical part in ensuring the reconstruction of this war ridden territory. US is the largest bilateral donor and hence, has helped in establishing peace and security through military training and assistance (USAID, 2010). It has helped conducing the election in 2005 and 2011 and provided better healthcare. USAID has also helped in reviving the education system by supporting the Ministry of education. Additionally, it has contributed heavily to the economic development through assistance in policy making, regulation, agricultural support and natural resource management (USAID, 2010). The DFID has been conributing in a very effective manner to Liberia through an annual fund of 8 million dollars in the field of reducing child and maternity mortality and also by ensuring a supply of clean drinking water ( DFID, 2011). My research aims to evaluate the relative importance and effectiveness of organizations likep USAID, DFID, NGOs and Military in helping rebuild or bring about development in the aftermath of conflict. 2. Research Focus, Questions and Assumptions Since post war reconstruction and rebuilding is identified as an essential requirement for sustainable peace, many governmental and non-governmental and military agencies are involved in this task. It is essential to question the effectiveness of different agencies in providing this post war support as an understanding of what works best in a given situation can help the International community to better modulate their plans of reconstruction. The following questions therefore guide my research: Does the framework for providing aid and development support as employed by the governmental agencies like USAID Is DFID is effective in bringing about a sustainable reconstruction of the host country? Does the framework employed by the US military for counter-insurgency and development is effective in bringing about a sustainable reconstruction of the host country? Who among the two – Civil or Military – should be given the role of leadership in role in reconstructing the host country The focus of my research is therefore to compare the framework of developmental operations adopted by USAID/DFID and US military and then to assess with the help of specific empirical examples from countries like Juba, Sudan, the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, Libya, Kabul, Afghanistan the effectiveness of the contributions made by the military and the civilian agencies. My research works with the following assumptions that are derived from a preliminary review of the available literature. These assumptions are expected to be modified or strengthened on the basis of the research findings. The overall assumption of the research is that military can handle the reconstruction process ina conflict ridden area because of there capability to reach and operate in difficult areas. Additionally, as the operations of the military are much more accountable, their operations can prove to be more efficient. However, the civilian agencies bring about creativity and innovation, along with better transparency. Civilian agencies can be more sensitive in handling delicate situations. Hence, the overall hypothesis is that both civilian and military bodies have distinct, yet complementary functions and if both these forces work in tandem, the reconstruction work can be carried out with the highest level of efficiency. Assumption 1: Military is more effective as it can provide aid and support in regions which are unsafe and terrains which are difficult to reach. Jomana Amara’s research talks about the important role that military plays in the process of reconstruction within the purview of expeditionary economics (Amara, 2012). The term refers to the use of military in rebuilding the economy of a region in areas where it is difficult or risky for civilian agencies to help. According to her, the military has a unique role to play in post conflict reconstruction because it is equipped to function efficiently in remote areas that are unstable and dangerous, even with a short notice (Amara, 2012). Ryan (2007) is of the opinion that a much more robust approach is required when it comes to military led-reconstruction because it can help in a higher level of security, strong reconnaissance efforts and better mobility. These advantages are useful when it comes to making a significant contribution to the process of reconstruction. One of the main reasons due to which military bodies have been considered for the role of reconstruction is due to the threat of insurgency. In dangerous areas, such as south of Afghanistan and Iraq, the situation is very sensitive and can come in the way of civilian agencies from carrying out their efforts. Additionally, if the area is sensitive, many civilian agencies become the direct targets of the insurgents. However, for a conflict ridden area, the process of reconstruction is essential and must continue. In such situations, the role of military in reconstruction becomes important. In many cases, for example - the situation in Bosnia and Great Lakes - the condition is complex and hence, the military involvement or coordination with the military is the sensible approach for aid agencies (Ryan, 2007). Assumption 2: Military development efforts are more accountable than civilian bodies’ Martha Finnemores (2000) research discusses the humanitarian interventions that took place after the Cold War. According to her, inter-governmental organizations as well as non-governmental organizations were loaded with a high volume of work when it came to reconstruction. This raised an issue of legitimacy because there is less accountability needed of such bodies. Though many such bodies are often a part of big coalitions, it can result in perceived lack of accountability among the people of the affected region. According to Roberts (2010), military can be an effective body when it comes to peace building and post-conflict reconstruction because the structure of the organization reflects clear lines of command and control as well as well-defined rules of engagement. Such a structure is conducive for advanced planning and effective execution, resulting in the success of a mission. In her opinion, the civilian bodies lack such a clearly demarcated structure and hence, often get involved in internal crisis, which undermines the overall purpose of the body. Assumption 3: Military developmental operations lack creativity and transparency However (Keck and Vaughan, 2008), does not agree with this point and adds that the less hierarchical structure and flexibility of the civilian bodies can enhance creativity, which helps in implementing new and innovative approaches to reconstruction. As mentioned earlier, many scholars and researchers are not in favour of military getting actively involved in post conflict reconstruction. Many researchers feel that the heavy handed and quick approach of the military can be a disadvantage at times, because it can result in the loss of support of the population (Covey et al, 2005). In cases like these, national NGOs or International humanitarian bodies can prove to be better for the process of reconstruction. Another criticism that military efforts at reconstruction faces is the lack of transparency. As with other military operations, specific details and steps are not given out before the projects are completed (Covey et al, 2005). Trevor Keck and Ann Vaughan are of the opinion that military can provide security during reconstruction, but is not suited for performing some specific civilian activities - setting up a judiciary or government institutes, working on the infrastructure and so on (Keck and Vaughan, 2008). As per Gheciu, one of the main challenges of direct involvement of the military in reconstruction efforts is that most military bodies step into humanitarian effects in order to be congruent with both the military and political goals (Gheicu, 2011). However, when it comes to the NGOs and other civilian bodies, a political impartiality is generally seen. 3. Methodology My research will employ both secondary or desk research methods as well as empirical research methods. My secondary research will be conducted using an exhaustive review of literature pertaining to the role played by military, and US military in particular in post war reconstructions across the globe. It will also consider the available research, opinions and reports on the work undertaken by agencies like USAID and DFID. The websites of USAID and DFID (usaid.gov and dfid.gov.uk) provides a detailed overview of how these two bodies have been providing assistance in terms of post war conflict. Both these websites have case studies, news stories as well as reports on the contribution extended by them in reconstruction. These documents will be explored in great detail as a part of the secondary research. Many universities have also undertaken research on the role of military in post-war reconstruction. (For example, the document by Stanford – on rebuilding Afghanistan by the US Army http://www.stanford.edu/class/intnlrel193/readings/week6/afghan.html). Such academic documents also will be looked at in detail for the purpose of secondary research. My literature review will discuss other scholars opinion on the differential or complimentary roles that civilian agencies and military play in post war development, and if the role of one is more crucial or desirable than that of the other. In addition, the secondary research will also include an exhaustive and critical analysis of the results framework used by USAID and the COIN framework used by US military for helping the socio-economic development of post war countries In addition, I also intend to search for recorded specific cases on the role played by civil and military bodies during the current conflicts like the Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel-Palestine, Libya and other parts of North Africa, and Latin America. My desk research will be complemented by an empirical research where I intend to travel to countries like Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Sudan, and Israel and study the role of military and civil agencies first hand. I intend to develop a list of local bodies and NGOs that are coordinating with USAID/DFID or US military on the developmental works and interview their members to understand their perception of the relative effectiveness of civil and military organizations. (Some of these local bodies include the Institute of Rural Reconstruction in South Sudan, Communication for Democracy and Human Rights in Iraq, Afghan Health and Development Services in Afghanistan and so on). I presume that the local governmental and non-governmental bodies involved in the reconstruction efforts will be in a position to better understand the challenges and barriers to development and will be able to provide insights about the relative effectiveness of civil and military bodies. I intend to select projects and cities where I will conduct my empirical research after I have completed my literature search and review and which I expect will provide me with suitable cases to pursue through empirical research. Once the cases are selected I intend to collate a list of the local agencies that can participate in my research. I will seek formal permission from these selected agencies and request them to provide me with suitable and knowledgeable candidates from among their officials or members that can interview. I intend to ask the respondents questions like: “What do you think is the greatest barrier for reconstruction in your area?” “What are some of the threats that the agencies and people working on the development project face?” “What are the foreign agencies involved with you in rebuilding the region?” “How would you describe the support and guidance that civil agencies provide you with? Is it adequate? What are some of the challenges faced by these agencies?” “How would you describe the support and guidance that Military agencies provide you with? Is it adequate? What are some of the challenges faced by these agencies? “What suggestions would you like to make to ensure that the developmental effort are successful?” Once I have obtained the opinions of the selected respondents, I intend to analyse the qualitative information using SPSS software that can give me themes and descriptive analysis of the collected data. I expect my research to take me to several countries in North Africa and the Middle East and for this I will need adequate funding sources and also travel permissions, which I intend to apply for as soon as my proposal is accepted. 4. Broader Considerations Billions of dollars are spent on helping nations that have been afflicted by war or genocide to rebuild them and move toward a path of economic growth and social reconstruction. International community channels large amounts of funds as well as human resources with the objective of helping such nations get back on their feet. However, it is seen that many civil International aid agencies are unable to contribute to their full potential due to security concerns. On the other hand, the Military may not be well-equipped to tactfully handle the development process without alienating the local population. I think that it is essential to understand the differential impact that civil and military aid in post war development makes, so that a better allocation of funds and personnel be made to derive sustainable benefits for the host region. 5. Why a Phd at IDS I believe that the PhD program at IDS is uniquely suited to help me achieve my research aims. The past record of research topics covered at IDS indicate that it encourages innovative and creative thinking and inspires scholars to explore issues and challenges from diverse perspectives. As my research is rather non-conventional and also complex, I believe I will get the needed support and guidance that will enable me to conduct my research successfully. I have chosen this particular area of research at IDS because I believe I have the first-hand experience and insight about working for the development and reconstruction projects, both as Marine and as a USAID Contractor in Afghanistan. I believe that military personnel are exceptionally equipped to operate under conditions of insecurity and stress, but on the other hand the civilians may have more experience with the complex socio-cultural and political issues surrounding the developmental projects. At IDS I expect to gain support and health that will enable me to explore the issue first hand and contribute substantially to the post war developmental studies literature. Glossary of Acronyms PRT - Provincial Reconstruction Teams NGO – Non Governmental Organizations USAID – United States Agency for International Development DFID- Department for International Development, UK References Al-Affendi, Abdelwahab. For a State of Peace; -Conflict and the Future of Democracy in Sudan, London: Centre for the Study of Democracy. 2002. Print. Amara, Jomana. “The role of Military in Reconstruction: Examining Expeditionary Economics and Provisional Reconstruction Teams”. Center for Conflict Studies 2.2 (2012): 22-30. Print. Atmar, Hanif and Jonathan Goodhand Aid Conflict and Peacekeeping in Afghanistan. USA: International Alert. 2002. Print Barkat, Sultan and Steven A. Zyck. “The Evolution of Post-conflict Recovery.” Third World Quarterly 30.6:1069-86. Print Beebe, Shannon D. and Mary H. Kaldor . The Ultimate Weapon is No Weapon: Human Security and the New Rules of War and Peace. USA: PublicAffairs. 2010. Print. Carafano, James and Dana R. Dillon. Winning the Peace: Principles for Post-Conflict Opera-tions. Washington, D.C.: Heritage Foundation. 2005. Print Cohen, Craig. Measuring Progress in Stabilization and Reconstruction. Washington, D.C.: United States Institute of Peace. 2006. Print Covey, Jock, Michael J. Dziedzic, and Leonard R. Hawley. The Quest for Viable Peace: Inter-national Intervention and Strategies for Conflict Transformation. Washington, D.C.: United States Institute of Peace Press, 2005. Print Cole, Beth and Emily Hsu. “Guiding Principles for Stability and Reconstruction: Introducing a Roadmap for Peace.” Military Review January-February (2010): 6-18. Print Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). To Guarantee the Peace: An Action Strategy for a Post-Conflict Sudan. Washington D.C.: CSIS. 2004. Print DFID. Overview – Liberia. Department for International Development. 2011. Web. July 17, 2012. DFID. Overview – Sudan. Department for International Development. 2011. Web. July 17, 2012. Fidler, Kenneth. U.S Military Security Assistance in Liberia Progresses. US Africa command. 27 Oct, 2010. Web. 17 July 2012 Finnemore, Martha. “Paradoxes in Humanitarian Intervention.” Paper presented at the Symposium on Norms and Ethics of Humanitarian Intervention at the Center for Global Peace and Conflict Studies, University of California at Irvine, April 14th, 2000. Gheciu, Alexandra. “Divided Partners: The Challenges of NATO-NGO Cooperation in Peacebuilding Operations,” Global Governance 17 (2011): 96. Print Ikemenjima, (2008). “Youth development, reintegration, reconciliation and rehabilitation inpost-conflict West Africa: A framework for Sierra Leone, Liberia and Cote d’Ivoire”. International NGO Journal 3 (9), (2008):146-151 Keck, Trevor and Ann Vaughan. 2008. Securing the Peace. Fpif.org. Web. 25 May 2012 Ryan, Mick “The Military and Reconstruction Operations,” Parameters, 37 (2008):58-70. Print Roberts, Nancy. Spanning “Bleeding” Boundaries: Humanitarianism, NGOs, and the Civilian-Military Nexus in the Post–Cold War, Public Administration Review, 1 ( 2010): 213. Print Hanif Atmar and Jonathan Goodhand Aid Conflict and Peacekeeping in Afghanistan. USA: International Alert. 2002 USAID. History of USAID in Liberia. United States Agency for International Development. 2010. Web. 17 July 2012. Read More