Thinking Beyond Counterinsurgency: The Utility of a Balanced Approach to Amnesty, Reconciliation and Reintegration

The exploration of military involvement in amnesty, reconciliation, and reintegration (AR2) processes highlights the often-overlooked aftermath of counterinsurgency (COIN) efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Using Northern Ireland's conflict resolution as a case study, the paper reveals that effective AR2 requires a balance of political, economic, and military strategies. It critiques the UK's initial focus on security measures, emphasizing that sustainable peace was achieved through political engagement and economic incentives, with the military's role being foundational yet cautious.