CLA Improving DRG Programs in Countries Going Through Post-Conflict Transitions

Despite the growing academic literature on democracy promotion and its effects on democratization in countries transitioning from conflict, the evidence in this field is still ambiguous – as a result, it can be difficult for democracy aid implementers to extract practical recommendations from this literature to apply to their daily work. Through its “Transitions” project, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) applies key elements of the Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) framework to systematically extract lessons learned from Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG) programs in post-conflict countries. These findings contribute to the growing evidence on the effects of international assistance on democratization and will be disseminated across the DRG community, to adapt and improve existing and future programs.

IFES collected and analyzed data from programs implemented in 18 post-conflict countries over the past 25 years by the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS), of which IFES is a core partner. The project requires internal and external collaboration among CEPPS partners, academics, and aid recipients to select relevant cases, collect program records, reflect on past challenges, and identify successful approaches. The project also traces the lasting effects of DRG interventions and captures aid recipients’ perspectives on what worked best and what could be improved in future programs. More than 30 recommendations for DRG implementers and donors have been identified and are being incorporated into IFES and CEPPS practices. This work will be further disseminated in the DRG community to encourage the replication of good practices.