Highlight 21/2023 – Security Sector Governance / Reform in the context of new and emerging security challenges

Sondra Cheong, 11 July 2023

Today, the security sector is faced with a myriad of new and emerging security challenges that are disruptive to all spheres of life. New and emerging security challenges are commonly used to distinguish a more recent set of threats from what is considered mainstream or ‘traditional’ security agenda. These challenges include terrorism, climate change, digitalization, migration, pandemics, and privatisation of military and security services, etc. They transcend borders and impact the political, social, economic, ecological and security spheres of society. They threaten the survival of humanity and planet, democratic governance, and the integrity of the social contract.

In 2022, there was a decline and stagnation of democracy around the world. Many countries are faced with political polarization, institutional dysfunction, and threats to civil liberties, which can be exacerbated by the new and emerging security challenges. Moreover, with the securitization of some of these challenges, the security sector itself may become a threat to democracy especially in situations where extraordinary measures are taken to empower security actors to act without the proper oversight. When considering climate change, digitalisation and the privatisation of military and security services, though different in nature, they pose security risks and are contributing to democratic backsliding due to the lack of proper regulatory and oversight mechanisms.

Climate change as a threat multiplier exacerbates existing conflicts and is testing the governing capacity of democracy due to the complexities and unpredictability of the climate crisis. Additionally, digital technologies are testing the limits of existing laws and regulations for political engagement on freedoms of expression, association, and assembly. Even as these technologies enable governments and the public to engage in deliberative and consultative democracy through the advent of mass media and social media, there is a high risk of manipulation and censorship of information by governments and private companies. Further, even though the privatisation of military and security services is not illegal, it challenges state authority, due to their increased involvement in direct combat and blurred lines of responsibility and accountability.

Considering the above, there is a need for security sector reform to strengthen democratic governance in the context of new and emerging security challenges. Reforms must be based on the principles of good security sector governance (SSG). Good SSG refers to the application of principles of good governance to the state’s security sector and must be based on the principles of accountability, transparency, rule of law, participation, responsiveness, effectiveness, and efficiency.

Accordingly, strong regulatory frameworks with clear mandates on the roles and responsibilities of the security sector actors is essential. These frameworks must take into consideration the existing realities and risks posed by the new security challenges. Emphasis must be placed on the rule of law and respect for human rights. The provision, management and oversight of the security sector must be done in an inclusive manner. Moreover, political will is needed to ensure that the security sector is well equipped to respond to the new and emerging security challenges, in an effective and efficient manner.

Sondra Cheong, Highlight 21/2023 – Security Sector Governance/ Reform in the context of new and emerging security challenges, 11 July 2023, available at www.meig.ch

The views expressed in the MEIG Highlights are personal to the authors and neither reflect the positions of the MEIG Programme nor those of the University of Geneva.