Beyond Reconstruction in Afghanistan: Lessons from Development Experience

by J. Montgomery (Editor), D. Rondinelli (Editor)

Overview

The interaction of failed states, terrorism and the need for 'nation building' is at the top of the international agenda, with particular focus on Afghanistan and Iraq. This path breaking collection brings together top analysts to examine the goals and challenges facing efforts to reconstruct states that have collapsed into anarchy or have been defeated in war. Drawing on lessons from 50 years of past experience with post-conflict reconstruction and development around the world, the authors provide historical context, identify difficulties that can impede progress and recognize the realistic limitations of ambitions to create new states. They assess ongoing development plans in a country devastated by more than a century of conflict. Throughout, particular attention is paid to the interaction of the goals of external and domestic actors, highlighting the importance of understanding the internal social, economic and political environment of the society receiving assistance.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781349528714
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan US
Publication date:	06/07/2004
Edition description:	Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 2004
Pages:	245
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

JOHN D. MONTGOMERY joined the Harvard University Faculty as Professor of International Studies in 1963. He became Director of the Pacific Basin Research Center, Soka University of America, in 1991. He served as Editor of Policy Sciences, 1999-2001. As advisor to a variety of international development programs he has served in about 80 countries.

DENNIS A. RONDINELLI is a Professor at the University of North Carolina, USA. Prior to joining UNC he was Principal Research Scientist and Senior Policy Analyst in the Office of International Programs at the Research Triangle Institute. He has done research on a number of issues including international competitiveness issues, regional development strategy, private enterprise development in emerging market economies and on corporate environmental management and globalization.

Table of Contents

Preface: Reconstruction in Afghanistan Introduction; J.D.Montgomery PART I: HOPES BEYOND RECONSTRUCTION International Goals and Strategies for Afghanistan'sDevelopment: Reconstruction and Beyond; D.A.Rondinelli Supporting Postwar Aspirations in an Islamic Society; J.D.Montgomery Between Reconstruction and Restoration: Three Historical Case Studies; J.M.Heffron The Afghan Experience with International Assistance; Y.V.Bossin Lessons from Post-Aid Conflict Experience; R.J.Muscat PART II: TOWARD A STABLE CIVIL SOCIETY The Rule of Law as a Goal in Afghanistan; C.H.Norchi Economic Growth and Development Policy in Afghanistan: Lessons from Experience in Developing Countries; D.A.Rondinelli Ethnic Diversity and the Structure of Government; M.J.Esman Warlordism and Development in Afghanistan; K.N.Abdullaev Health, Human Security, and Social Reconstruction in Afghanistan; P.Gutlove , G.Thompson & J.Hale Russell PART III: REGIONAL IMPLICATIONS OF RECONSTRUCTION The Afghan Neighborhood and Future Stability: A Regional Approach to Reconstruction and Development; E.Naby & R.N.Frye Reconstruction, Development, and Nation-Building: Prospects for Afghanistan; D.A.Rondinelli & J.D.Montgomery

Recipe

"It is the unfortunate case that policymakers engaged in nation-building have time and again failed to tap existing knowledge about the countries that are the object of their efforts, and lessons from other nation-building exercises. Beyond Reconstruction in Afghanistan begins to correct this deficit by providing invaluable background to the problem of reconstructing one of the world's most troubled countries."--Francis Fukuyama, The Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies Johns Hopkins University

"This is the best place to start for increasing understanding of the challenges facing those who would engage in 'nation building.' Beyond Reconstruction in Afghanistan provides dispassionate and richly informed analysis of the troubled attempts to reconstruct and restore a devastated land. While every country is unique, the lessons drawn from Afghanistan and other, previous, attempts at nation building clearly have import for Iraq and any other potential cases. And one lesson surely is that caution is wisdom."--Alex Inkeles, Stanford University

Editorial Reviews

"It is the unfortunate case that policymakers engaged in nation-building have time and again failed to tap existing knowledge about the countries that are the object of their efforts, and lessons from other nation-building exercises. Beyond Reconstruction in Afghanistan begins to correct this deficit by providing invaluable background to the problem of reconstructing one of the world's most troubled countries." - Francis Fukuyama, The Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies Johns Hopkins University

"This is the best place to start for increasing understanding of the challenges facing those who would engage in 'nation building.' Beyond Reconstruction in Afghanistan provides dispassionate and richly informed analysis of the troubled attempts to reconstruct and restore a devastated land. While every country is unique, the lessons drawn from Afghanistan and other, previous, attempts at nation building clearly have import for Iraq and any other potential cases. And one lesson surely is that caution is wisdom." - Alex Inkeles, Stanford University

From the Publisher