The authors of this volume explore the challenges of establishing democratic accountability and control over the military and other security establishments in countries which have either been the victims of authoritarian military rule or wracked by violent internal conflict.

The book examines both successful democratic transitions and failed ones. A wide range of cases is covered, including Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chile, the Congo, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierre Leone, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Turkey.

The possible role of regional interventions and institutions, notably in West Africa and the Balkans, is also examined.

Gavin Cawthra is Professor of Defence and Security Management at the Graduate School of Public and Development Management at the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa. He has published extensively, including Policing South Africa (1994) and Securing South Africa's Democracy (1997).

Robin Luckham is a Research Associate at the Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex. His publications include The Nigerian Military: a Sociological Analysis of Authority and Revolt 1960–67 (1971).
Gavin Cawthra is Professor of Defence and Security Management at the Graduate School of Public and Development Management at the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa. He has published extensively, including Policing South Africa (1994) and Securing South Africa's Democracy (1997).

Robin Luckham is a Research Associate at the Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex. His publications include The Nigerian Military: a Sociological Analysis of Authority and Revolt 1960–67 (1971).