By Shane Eric-Eugene Hensinger
Master's candidate in International Security
Josef Korbel School of International Studies

Renowned international expert on the international small-arms weapons trade and Monterey Institute of International Studies professor Edward J. Laurance spoke recently to students enrolled in Josef Korbel School of International Studies Professor Tim Sisk's class, Civil Wars and International Responses.

Dr. Laurance, who served as a consultant to the United Nations Department of Disarmament Affairs from 1992-2002, addressed the need to present a categorical and holistic approach to the key elements of security in peacebuilding. He outlined the key issues that present obstacles to development in states that have  experienced armed conflict. These issues include:

• Small arms/light weapons control
• Mine action
• Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration
• Security sector/System reform
• Rule of law/Access to justice
• Conflict prevention and management
• Reducing gender-based violence

Dr. Laurance spoke on the importance of viewing all sectors of a state's institutions and structures as integral to a holistic peacebuilding approach. In particular he mentioned how, when reforming the police in a state, it is important to reform the judiciary too -- otherwise the efforts of the police to interdict crime will be stymied once the next step in the process of justice moves into place.

Building strong pillars of fair governance are also key, Dr. Laurance said, quoting someone from a war-torn country who once told him "When you don't have governance, what you have is the gun."  Words, indeed, it is wise to keep in mind when students approach problems in peacekeeping and peacebuilding at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies or in their careers afterward.

Dr, Laurance is a professor at the Monterey Institute of International Studies and holds a bachelor's degree from the United States Military Academy, a master's  from Temple University and a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Timothy D. Sisk is a professor at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies and is the director of the Center for Sustainable Development and International Peace and Director of the Humanitarian Assistance Certificate Program. Professor Sisk holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Baylor University and a Ph.D. from George Washington University.