Social Capital Made Explicit: The Role of Norms, Networks, and Trust in Reintegrating Ex-combatants and Peacebuilding in Liberia

Abstract

Processes for Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) are a fundamental component in peacebuilding. While disarmament can be relatively straightforward, reintegration is more complex and has varying degrees of success. Economic factors tend to be the focus, neglecting social reintegration in its fullest sense. This article draws on two sets of related field research data (collected in 2007, 2010 and 2011) in Liberia to highlight the role of social capital in shaping DDR outcomes. This is an important factor in the reintegration of ex-combatants, in terms of establishing and testing norms, engaging social networks, and building relationships and trust. These components of social capital are directly influenced by the reintegration experience, and in turn have a significant role in translating reintegration into peacebuilding. In addition, building on pre-existing social structures such as family connections, religious or community groups, and trading networks can in fact contribute to successful reintegration. When DDR initiatives fail, these structures are often the only way an ex-combatant has of reintegrating.

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“…Trust in the peace process initially motivated some exinsurgents to surrender their arms and ammunition to the state. A study by Kilroy and Basini (2018) shows that social capital plays a significant role in shaping DDR outcomes as well as remaking postwar relationships in Liberia by promoting norms, trust, and the development of networks. This observation contrasts with the study by Nussio and Oppenheim (2014), which shows that relationship among exmilitants in Colombia was characterized by internal cohesion that made them less likely to trust state institutions.…”

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“…Second, the chieftaincies highly mistrust younger aggrieved Kamajor and keep a close eye on their activities accordingly. They know it is easy for militia members to mobilise and regroup after most Kamajor returned to their communities of origin, with their bonds and hierarchy structures never fully disintegrated (Kilroy and Basini, 2018: 353). Fearing the mobilisation of male agency headed by battle-tested Kamajor, paramount chiefs and elders in highly contested land conflicts try to avert any Kamajor gatheringsWe don’t want that.…”

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“…208 Additionally, ex-combatants are less marginalized when they are generating social capital. 209 The networks, norms, and trust associated with social capital are critical not only for collective action but reintegration. 210 In Colombia, mandatory participation by ex-combatants in 80 hours of social service work demonstrated their commitment to a shared future and served as a form of reparations, so much so that some ex-combatants were upset when their participation was not made public.…”

“…209 The networks, norms, and trust associated with social capital are critical not only for collective action but reintegration. 210 In Colombia, mandatory participation by ex-combatants in 80 hours of social service work demonstrated their commitment to a shared future and served as a form of reparations, so much so that some ex-combatants were upset when their participation was not made public. 211 Good deeds and behavior in the community serve as a form of atonement and help facilitate reintegration.…”

“…313 Delays between demobilization (where ex-combatants uphold their end of the bargain) and reintegration assistance (where the government or international community upholds its end of the bargain) undermine trust and threaten the entire process. 314 So too can the stalling of entire DDR programs. The Afghanistan New Beginning Programme (ANBP) began two years after the conflict and six months late due to disagreements and planning and staffing issues.…”