From soldiers to citizens: Demilitarization of conflict and society

The focus of this book falls into the greater discussions of peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction. This book provides an in-depth analysis of the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) process and delves into an even deeper conversation about the concept and practice of Reintegration. The authors use empirical research on the Angolan DDR process to assess the merits and challenges of our understanding of the process of reintegration. The authors base the arguments of this book on the assertion that demilitarisation of any conflict is the key to building sustainable peace in post-conflict states. This book makes a crucial argument that if this process is to lead to sustainable peace, then it must enjoy a deep commitment from individuals and communities. The authors adopt an earlier argument that when an ex-combatant returns and surrenders from war the agreement he makes with the Government can be seen as a social contract (Knight and Ozerdem 2004). The DDR process, therefore, is not only a mechanism to establish good governance but it is also a commitment by any recipient government to assist returning ex-combatants in their transition to citizenry.