This is the first issue of the all-new African Security Review which replaces the African Defence Review. A considerable effort has gone into making this new look Review easily readable and user-friendly. In future, this approach will underlie the editorial policy of the African Security Review. All the changes envisaged will not be effected overnight, but will be phased in over the next months.

More importantly, the change of focus from Defence to Security reflects a move to a wider, more inclusive approach to security by the Institute for Defence Policy - a move evident in recent activities of the Institute. It is formally acknowledged that the threats to peace and security cannot merely be addressed by traditional military means. On a more fundamental level, the relationship between security, stability and democracy as the guiding principles for security between democratic states is acknowledged. The IDP continues to base its activities on these principles.

Through the financial assistance of the Danish embassy, the United States Institute for Peace and the Hanns Seidel Foundation, the Institute has launched a programme to encourage debate in South Africa and in the region on global peace support efforts, conflict prevention, peace-making and peace building efforts. A number of initiatives will be hosted this year, amongst others a workshop in Cape Town during May involving academics, parliamentarians, the Departments of Defence and Foreign Affairs and other interested parties to discuss South African policy in this regard. On 13 and 14 July, we will be hosting an international conference on the same topic in Johannesburg in conjunction with the South African Institute of International Affairs. These activities will be supported by the publication of policy and research reports, papers, working papers and the Review.

Projects in progress at the IDP deal with police policy reform, public opinion on defence, police and security issues, regional security and peace building, demobilisation and the social reintegration of former combatants and assisting in building sound civil-military relations in southern Africa. Through these efforts the Institute for Defence Policy has established itself as a leading think-tank in southern Africa on security issues. We will continue to make a concerted effort is made to involve more sectors of the South African populace in debates which affect their lives in so many ways.

Within the international context, we believe that South African and regional security is built upon interdependence, common economic development and adherence to shared democratic values. Regional stability influences economic growth and in politics it advocates the creation of good governance and the enhancement of democracy. The social dimensions of the individual, family and communities can only be safeguarded through respect for human rights, the empowerment of disadvantaged groups and conflict resolution. These shifts in emphasis reflect wider geopolitical changes and the true realities of the African situation.

The African Security Review is merely one of a number of forums provided by the Institute for Defence Policy and it is hoped that its extended scope and new approach will play a part in supporting the continued growth and development of our country’s young democracy and in promoting stability in sub-Saharan Africa.