Trust after Betrayal Research Brief Series

This Research Brief explores how lacking or inadequate formerly armed actor (FAA) reintegration programming is not only a humanitarian concern but carries global security ramifications, contributing to prolonged violence and instability, extremist resurgence, and transnational threats. The underdeveloped global focus on prevention and risk mitigation among warrants a shift towards recognising attention to FAAs as a global policy imperative. The interconnected nature of security threats necessitates international cooperation and prioritisation for a well-executed and holistic reintegration process. Moreover, the Research Brief presents a case study of how the massive layoffs during the “de-Ba’athification” process after the invasion of Iraq in 2003 contributed to the rise of the Islamic State (IS) as a regional power.