This page highlights associated work undertaken by Dr Laurie Nathan, the Centre's partner at University of Cape Town. From 2011 Dr Nathan can be contacted through the University of Pretoria.
Intelligence in a Constitutional Democracy
In September 2008 the Ministerial Review Commission on Intelligence in South Africa released its public report after a two-year review of intelligence legislation, policies, controls and institutional culture. The Commission was established in 2006 by the South African Minister of Intelligence, Ronnie Kasrils and comprises Joe Matthews (Chairperson), Dr Frene Ginwala and Laurie Nathan. The report focuses on areas where the intelligence dispensation is not aligned with the Constitution and identifies ways in which control systems should be strengthened in order to prevent misconduct and abuse of power. The report makes proposals for addressing these issues and enhancing the effectiveness, efficiency and accountability of the intelligence services. The proposals have relevance for other post-conflict countries, since there is little prospect of democratic consolidation if the intelligence organisations are not subject to proper civilian control. The Commission's report is relevant to the growing field of security sector reform, which tends to neglect the intelligence community because of its sensitivity and secrecy. Download report|.
In 2009 Dr Nathan participated in the Mediation Support Project jointly coordinated by the Center for Security Studies, ETH Zurich and Swisspeace, Bern, and funded by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. Click on a topic heading to listen to his contributions.
How to combine authority with flexibility|
The Single Text Mediation method|
Understanding Violence|
The Causes and Implications of Exclusion |
The Role of Third Parties|
The Design of Peace Processes|
Amnesty and Peace - local ownership|
Vulnerability|
Loss of leverage|
Protecting 'our' people|
External pressure and justice|
The Mediator's options for inclusivity|