The Political Dynamics of DDR

The Political Dynamics of DDR: Key Research Findings

The present brief summarizes the research findings presented in the joint Research Brief series and lays out its implications and recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.

Research on the political integration of armed groups makes it clear that there is no single recipe for peaceful political transition. It is not possible to say that a particular sequencing will inevitably lead to sustainable peace, or that formerly armed groups will moderate their claims if certain sets of conditions are obtained.

Instead, this body of research supports the view that such transitions involve a multitude of factors and that fine-grained, context-specific analysis is always necessary. Nonetheless, drawing on the findings presented in the joint Research Brief series, as well as the larger body of research on the political integration of armed groups, we present seven recommendations that could help open pathways and clarify options for international engagement on DDR.

• Be sensitive to the unique features of armed groups and political contexts

• Support the political integration of armed groups starting in the peace negotiation phase

• Reconsider the designation of armed groups as terrorist organizations

• Invest in the first post-war election

• Engage in long-term support for intra-party organizational change

• Provide tailored support for the political integration of combatants

• Acknowledge conflicting objectives and identify red lines for political integration

Political Integration and Post-war Elections

The findings presented in this brief draw on our research showing that formal, constitutional participation in politics has been an attractive option for most armed opposition groups over the last thirty years.

In the aftermath of civil war, most armed opposition groups have the opportunity to form a political party and to compete in post-war elections. Unless they are legally banned from doing so (a very rare outcome), the overwhelming majority of these groups do form political parties, and nearly all that do form parties go on to participate in the first post-war general elections.

Political Engagement by Former Armed Groups Outside Party Politics

This research brief sheds light on multiple experiences of rebel-to-movement political transitions outside of formal party politics.

The findings presented in this brief demonstrate that there are many pathways to political re-mobilization for former members of armed groups beyond joining political parties or taking up positions in the state apparatus. Supporting the political re-mobilization of former combatants through formal and informal channels contributes to post-war stability and sustainable peace, enabling these actors to defend their interests and pursue their struggles through nonviolent democratic means.

Based on the insights presented in this research brief, we can identify at least two main policy recommendations for international peacebuilding actors, including UN-led DDR missions.

Peace agreements and the political integration of armed groups

How and why does the content of the peace agreement matter for whether or not non-state armed groups become political parties? The research findings presented in this brief highlight several important implications for policy and practice concerned with supporting the political reintegration of armed groups through civil war peace processes. Three things in particular are worth highlighting.

First, more than one-third of all non-state armed signatories in past decades have transformed into political parties. More than one-third of all non-state armed signatories in past decades have transformed into political parties.

Second, the research presented in this brief confirms that the content of peace agreements matters. The findings show that former armed groups that become political parties are more likely than other groups to sign peace agreements containing a range of different provisions that together hold the potential to support the group’s political integration in the post-war period.

Third, the data show that the overwhelming majority of peace agreements have included third-party involvement in the form of mediators or signatories to the agreements.

DDR and Post-War Politics: Lessons from Northern Ireland

What are the long-term consequences of DDR decisions taken during peace processes for formerly armed groups who become political actors?

This research brief has examined some of the challenges that arise when non-state armed groups are incentivized to end their use of violence by offering them a share of political power. While offering a route to political inclusion is a powerful way to encourage non-state armed groups to engage with DDR processes, it also raises distinct challenges. The case of Sinn Féin and the PIRA in Northern Ireland has important lessons for practitioners trying to implement the principles of this module.

Rebel party organization and durable peace after civil conflict

Under what conditions does rebel group political inclusion contribute to peace after civil conflict? A central answer to this question lies with the former rebel groups’ organizational structure, and in particular whether former combatants can maintain unity to keep their followers committed to maintaining the peace.

This research brief has identified organizational factors that help clarify the conditions under which rebel group inclusion helps promote durable peace after conflict. As the brief has also highlighted, gaining access to power is key to sustainable peace in the long run, but it is also important to note that even a low seat share can have positive impact on the durability of peace. What matters the most is not the level of representation in a legislature but whether any significant political actors are left out.

Women and Rebel to Party Transitions

This research brief illustrates how ideational, organizational and individual-level dynamics affect women’s experiences during rebel-to-party transitions. The framework introduced in this article can guide policymakers seeking to promote women’s inclusion and interests. There are no ‘one size fits all’ policies when it comes to advancing women’s issues and rights; this framework is intended to help guide policymakers effectively design policies, rather than to prescribe specific decisions or programs.

Ideological Moderation in Armed Groups Turned Political Parties

Do armed groups adapt and potentially moderate their ideologies as they become political parties? What does this mean for post-war politics?

This research brief has shown that armed groups turned political parties engage in efforts to rebrand themselves as they navigate the post-war political environment. Ideologies play out in different ways in different contexts, and a complex mix of electoral, patrimonial and state-building logics shapes their decisions and outcomes.

As the brief has highlighted, it is important to remember that many armed groups invest significant energy, time and other resources into ending wars and transitioning to electoral democracy. This brief closes with several key lessons learned from past experiences, followed by findings that can inform future engagements with armed groups transitioning into political parties.

Former Armed Groups in Power and Post-war Youth Policies

This research brief discusses the role of youth in relation to rebel-to-party transitions and how to improve the inclusion of youth in such processes, bringing about genuine youth participation.

There is a growing recognition that youth are key actors in achieving sustainable peace in post-war settings. Still, both national political leaders and international policymakers often see large youth populations as a potential threat to stability. The main youth-centered strategy of former rebel parties in power has been to control and co-opt this population without opening up for genuine youth representation.