How should policies be prioritised in post-conflict countries and how should they be sequenced? This chapter from ‘Getting the Policies Right’ uses case studies from post-conflict countries to identify a framework to help policymakers better navigate the complexities and challenges of prioritisation and sequencing. It argues that in the early stages of post-conflict security should be prioritised, along with humanitarian and relief efforts; governance and democratisation; economic stabilisation and reforms; and large-scale infrastructure and long-term development. Sequencing should be non-linear, context-dependent and specific to the needs and requirements of each country.
There cannot be a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to reconstruction. But information from case studies and expert surveys suggests that development fosters security and security fosters development. In countries emerging from conflict, especially during early reconstruction, causality clearly runs from security to development. Without improvement in the security situation, other reconstruction efforts, including political and economic reforms, are not possible.
The following hierarchy helps sequence policies through the stabilisation, transformation and consolidation phases:
- Security: Supply of peacekeepers and restoration of order; restoration of essential infrastructure; withdrawal of foreign forces; disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration; security sector reform.
- Humanitarian and relief efforts: Return and rehabilitation of refugees and ex-combatants; securing property rights; responding to food insecurity and health concerns.
- Governance: Resumption of basic public services; strengthening national administration; strengthening local governance and administration.
- Economic stabilisation: Controlling hyperinflation; establishing a stable currency; providing regulatory frameworks; public expenditure reform.
- Democratisation: Restoring democratic process by holding credible elections; strengthening political parties, civil society and press.
- Large scale infrastructure and long-term development: Building infrastructure such as roads and telecommunication systems; other large scale employment generating schemes; privatisation of state enterprises; liberalisation of financial markets; civil service, education and health sector reform.
The effectiveness of policies depends on how the population of the country perceives intervention. Donors and governments should:
- Make comprehensive security sector reform an essential part of the governance reform agenda. Just building a new police force or demobilising rebels is not enough: all components of the security sector need reform.
- Focus on creating inclusive democratic institutions, not just elections.
- Carry out economic stabilization and reconstruction together with political reconstruction but pay more attention to enhance coordination. If efforts are not coordinated, political and economic reconstruction may fail.
- Sequence reconstruction efforts so that early priorities generate quick and visible results and lay foundations for lasting peace.
- Make sure essential prerequisites are in place before implementing any policy. Prioritize policies based on good analysis and apply time-bound targets and measurable benchmarks.
- Make sure resources are available on time and the flow of resources is consistent for a sustained period of time.
- Improve partnerships and coordination among different actors, across different sectors and at different levels. Donor coordination should be based on institutional solutions and tailored to specific circumstances.
