almanac on security sector oversight in the Western Balkans

number of research methods and a resource-intensive research design, mixing different
methods, were essential for ensuring accurate and useful research outputs. It also
accommodated variations in the institutional designs and political contexts studied.
10 . Validation of research instrument and findings
The validity of research findings was improved through focus groups (expert consultations)
with representatives of government agencies and journalists. Moreover, all
papers were reviewed by BCSP and DCAF experts, as well as peer reviewed in a series
of nine workshops organized during the project cycle.
At the workshops, researchers were given the opportunity to review papers and
grades from other organisations, usually in mixed teams. A special session was organized
in the last workshop for a final review of grades, some of which are included in
this publication.
11 . Measuring oversight from the perspective of a CSO
A major innovation of the methodology was that it was initiated by a CSO for use
by other civil society organisations, with the aim of strengthening nationally driven
assessments and local ownership of security sector reform. The majority of methods
and instruments used to assess SSR are devised to suit donor needs and interests. This
applies equally to individual donor countries 228 and international organisations which
endorse reforms in candidate countries seeking membership (NATO, EU) or organisations
encouraging reforms in their own member countries (OSCE, UN). 229 This could
explain, at least in part, why none of these organisations has developed a holistic/
comprehensive approach to measuring progress in SSR; or more precisely, why they
only draw their beneficiaries’ attention to certain aspects of SSR. So far, the OECD
(2007) is the only organisation which has developed a comprehensive approach, in
their Handbook on Security Sector Reform, 230 which contains guidelines and instruments
for programming and implementation of a holistic approach to SSR and for
measuring its progress. However, this is primarily intended for donor countries that
are members of the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC). 231
228 A majority of conceptual texts on SSR were developed in the UK and the Netherlands. For key
sources see: Rynn and Hiscock (2009); and Rynn (2009).
229 For a detailed list of standards and models for SSR promoted by different international organisations,
see: Law, D. (ed.) (2007) Intergovernmental organisations and security sector reform (DCAF) or for
the second generation literature: Sedra, Mark (2010) The Future of SSR (Ontario: CIGI).
230 OECD-DAC Handbook on Security System Reform (SSR): Supporting Security and Justice (2007)
available at: www.oecd.org/dac/conflict/if-ssr.
231 DAC-Development Assistance Committee is the main body within which OECD member countries
define and monitor global standards in key areas of development and co-ordinate their development
assistance (www.oecd.org/dac).
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