This book presents papers from two NATO conferences: The Advanced Research Workshop "Enhancing Security Sector Governance through Education and Research", held in June 2009, and the Advanced Study Institute "The Role of Security Sector Governance for the Democratic Transition of the Western Balkans" in June/ July of the same year, both of which took place in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The focus of both events was on the common challenges faced by the political integration and security sector governance and education of the Balkan, Black Sea and Southern Caucasus areas. With participants from the whole of Europe, North America and the countries from the extended region from the Adriatic to the Caspian Sea, the conferences reunited speakers, experts and students involved in the topic of governance in transition countries. The articles in this book suggest ways for theoretical knowledge and practical experiences to be translated into sustainable practice; bridging expertise, education and practice, and thus addressing key issues in the global approach to security adaptation in the post-Cold War world. Its aim is to inform the next generation of reformers, civil actors and practitioners. The book also marks the 20th anniversary of the Cold War, and represents a chance to assess the progress made in this transitional region since the end of the 1980s. By taking on this important and topical theme in international relations and international security, it focuses on a key factor to contribute to peace and security in the contemporary world: well-designed security sector reform (SSR) policies in different contexts and a sustained attention to good governance. IOS Press is an international science, technical and medical publisher of high-quality books for academics, scientists, and professionals in all fields. Some of the areas we publish in: • Biomedicine • Oncology • Artificial intelligence • Databases and information systems • Maritime engineering • Nanotechnology • Geoengineering • All aspects of physics • E-governance • E-commerce • The knowledge economy • Urban studies • Arms control • Understanding and responding to terrorism • Medical informatics • Computer Sciences