Making Sense of Peace and Capacity-building Operations: Rethinking Policing and Beyond
Brisbane, Australia
22-23 July 2009
Background
International peace and capacity-building operations are perhaps the primary tool for conflict management in the contemporary international order. Since the end of the Cold War, these endeavours have evolved significantly in response to an increase in the incidence of intra-state conflict and the complex nature of these crises. One of the most significant developments has occurred in the area of policing. The role of civilian police has changed dramatically since their inaugural deployment. International policing has moved beyond a passive observatory stance to assume a more intrusive posture, at times manifest in executive authority and others in the reform, restructuring and (re)building of local police services. In addition to the UN, a number of regional organisations and states have developed their capacities to deploy and sustain international policing missions beyond their borders. However, efforts in this realm have met with varying degrees of success. In the context of on-going missions and predictions of continuing high demand for police peacekeepers, it is vital to take stock of lessons identified to date and engender new thinking about what constitutes best practice in international policing, across numerous different settings and with a mind to the myriad other actors in these increasingly integrated and multidimensional efforts.
In this context, the University of Queensland Social Research Centre and the ARC Centre of Excellence in Policing and Security (CEPS), in conjunction with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Flinders University, hosted an international workshop on peace and capacity building operations. The particular – though not exclusive – emphasis was on civilian policing, while examining the roles, capacities and limitations of state providers. This targeted workshop brought together a mix of approximately 50 practitioners and researchers, with the general aim of building on best practice conceptions through frank and constructive discussions. Participants were selected from across the globe to reflect the multitude of vantage points that comprise the contemporary contributions of those involved in intervention activities in conflict-affected environments. The format was intentionally interactive, employing plenary discussions, small group work and a scenario-based exercise, aimed at generating innovative ideas as well as enabling genuine learning.
When: 8.30am-5.00pm, Wednesday 22 & Thursday 23 July 2009.
Where: The Junction, Eagle St. Conference Centre, 175 Eagle St., Brisbane, QLD, 4000
Summary
The workshop created the space for sharing new insights concerning long-standing challenges. In addition, heretofore under-acknowledged issues were raised and further fleshed out. The event generated a range of policy insights for the international policing community and beyond. The hope is that the relationships initiated or continued here can buttress the epistemic community involved in improving the implementation of peace and capacity-building operations.