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

This research brief series has been initiated through a collaboration between the Politics After War (PAW) research network, the Folke  Bernadotte Academy (FBA), and the United Nations Department of Peace Operations, Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions: DDR Section (UNDPO/OROLSI/DDR) with the aim to provide research perspectives and scientific evidence on the intersection of DDR and politics with a particular emphasis on the transformative dynamics of armed groups and combatants. 

Other publications in the series

Political Integration and Post-war Elections

Political Engagement by Former Armed Groups Outside Party Politics

Peace Agreements and the Political Integration of Armed Groups

DDR and Post-War Politics: Lessons from Northern Ireland

Rebel Party Organization and Durable Peace after Civil Conflict

Women and Rebel to Party Transitions

Ideological Moderation in Armed Groups Turned Political Parties

Former Armed Groups in power and Post-war Youth Policies