More generally, the negative impacts on state capacity resulting from ad hoc and uncoordinated donor institution-building initiatives also need to be addressed more seriously. Towards a Comprehensive Approach Although there is broad consensus on the need for a comprehensive framework for dealing with military expenditure issues, agreement is currently lacking on what the ultimate objectives of donor interventions in this area ought to be or on appropriate roles. This is, to an extent, understandable given the different institutional agendas at work in the development community among actors involved with issues as diverse as development finance, military restructuring and poverty alleviation. No one organizational structure fits all countries. Finally, it is important to be realistic about expectations.
Institutional change is a complex and long-term process.
Progress is likely to be uneven and achieved only very slowly. The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of DFID, The Centre for Defence Studies, King's College, or the Overseas Development Council.