Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration of Ex-Combatants

Episode 101 examines the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) of ex-combatants. 

Our guests begin by introducing the concept of DDR and discussing how the DDR process plays a role in preventing the recurrence of conflict. They then discuss some  common challenges of implementing and monitoring DDR efforts, providing some real-world examples of ongoing and recent DDR efforts in Colombia, El Salvador, Mexico, and Niger. They also discuss roles for military organizations in DDR efforts before closing with policy implications of their research and field work.

Dr. Erin McFee is a Professor of Practice at the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies at the National Defense University. She also holds positions as a UK Research and Innovation Future Leaders Fellow at the Latin America and Caribbean Centre of the London School of Economics and as a Scholar in Residence at George Mason University. Dr. McPhee consults regularly for the International Organization for Migration and UN Organization for Migration. She was also previously the Deputy Director of the Irregular Warfare Initiative Fellows Program. She holds a doctorate in Human Development from The University of Chicago, and an MBA from Simmons University in Boston.     

Daniella Montemarano is an international mediator and stabilization practitioner. She currently serves as a contracted U.S. Department of State advisor on Countering Violent Extremism and DDR, based at the U.S. Embassy in Niamey, Niger. Daniella previously worked at the International Republican Institute, where she managed peacebuilding programs in the Sahel and West Africa regions before becoming a senior strategist and subject matter expert for the organization’s global conflict and stabilization program development. Daniella also served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Botsawna. She holds an MS in Foreign Service from Georgetown University and a BA in History and Political Science from New York University.

Alisa Laufer and Matthew Moellering are the hosts for Episode 94. Please reach out to them with any questions about this episode or the Irregular Warfare Podcast.

The Irregular Warfare Podcast is a production of the Irregular Warfare Initiative (IWI). We are a team of volunteers dedicated to bridging the gap between scholars and practitioners in the field of irregular warfare. IWI generates written and audio content, coordinates events for the IW community, and hosts critical thinkers in the field of irregular warfare as IWI fellows. You can follow and engage with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn.
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