The “latecomers” of Bougainville: The difficult completion of post-conflict disarmament processes
The “latecomers” of Bougainville: The difficult completion of post-conflict disarmament processes

Summary/Abstract: Post-conflict disarmament processes inherently grapple with definitional challenges regarding definitive endpoints and measuresof completion. This paper examines the phenomenon of delayed disarmament through the case study of so-called “latecomers” inBougainville—ex-combatants who voluntarily surrendered their weapons following the cessation of formal demobilisation,disarmament, and reintegration programming. This study proposes a behavioural model that conceptualises late comer decision-making dynamics pertaining to temporary small arms retention. Pivoting upon an iterated security dilemma framework, the modelposits that contextual environmental stressors and temporal factors serve as key variables initially sustaining weapons possession inthe absence of hostilities. However, this intermediate status carries risks of eventual escalation to renewed violence or protracted andarduous disarmament engagement. The latecomer case reveals the inherent fluidity and uncertainties surrounding delimitationsof the disarmament process. Further interrogating ex-combatant dilemmas could strengthen post-conflict policy and practice.Fundamentally, this research demonstrates the enduring temporal ambiguities inherent to disarmament, highlighting the need forpluralistic understandings attentive to issues of indigeneity, humanity, and interpretive meaning central to sustainable peace-building.

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