Review of the ISS project on terrorism, money laundering, organised crime and corruption

The Project

The project was carried out by the Cape Town office of the Institute for Security Studies during a three-year period (2004-2006). The stated goal of the project was "(t)o enhance the capacity of the Southern African states to encounter terrorism, money laundering, organised crime and corruption". The total cost of the project was ZAR 22, 182, 558 and this was financed through an agreement with the Norwegian government.

Interesting Findings

• The ISS project is to a large extent relevant with regards to the need for research in the selected areas, as well as in terms of the Norwegian development cooperation policies.
• The deliverables of the ISS were met to a large extent, sometimes exceeding the number of planned deliverables, although some publications were delayed.
• The main strength of the project was its research capacity, an asset the ISS had developed through the commitment of dedicated and highly competent people.
• Whilst the ISS publications are plentiful and informative, they would be even more widely read of they were rendered in easily readable language.
• The ISS has taken on a kind of hybrid role, being a non-governmental organisation, an applied research institute and a think tank at the same time. These functions may be in conflict with each other and the ISS has to manage carefully between them.
• Whereas before the Norwegian Embassy was primarily interested in fostering traditional development cooperation, it is now keen to use ISS input at its seminars and ISS research in its own policy development.

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