Why Nation-Building Matters: Political Consolidation, Building Security Forces, and Economic Development in Failed and Fragile States

The United States has struggled with nation-building for decades, but it is essential for containing threats and improving its global future. This book proposes a doctrine and architecture that blends soft and hard power into a deployable and effective package, based on recent illustrative cases. It highlights the contributions of Americans who have served their country in difficult circumstances and developed creative solutions to intractable problems.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 400 pages
\n Publication date: 15 September 2020
\n Publisher: Potomac Books Inc
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For decades, the United States has grappled with a complex and multifaceted relationship with nation-building, a subject that has served as a convenient political target and been reinforced by the traditional military's reluctance to divide its time and resources between combat and development. Despite numerous attempts to delegate the task to civilian agencies, successful outcomes have been elusive, and no comprehensive doctrine has been established to guide these efforts. However, the undeniable reality remains that functional and capable states, with whom to partner, are essential for effectively containing threats. Moreover, the ungoverned spaces across the globe present a multitude of challenges, ranging from health crises to migration, economic collapse to terrorism. Strengthening the Westphalian world of functional states, or the principle of exclusive sovereignty over territory, is widely regarded as the most significant challenge, but also one of the most promising endeavors for enhancing America's global future.

This book delves into a series of recent illustrative cases, where Keith Mines, a Special Forces officer, diplomat, occupation administrator, and United Nations official, played a pivotal role. These cases encompass Colombia, Grenada, El Salvador, Somalia, Haiti, Darfur, Afghanistan, and Iraq. The central premise of the book is that while we may underestimate our track record in nation-building, there is significant room for improvement. It proposes a doctrine and architecture that blends soft and hard power in key areas such as building security forces, economic development, and political consolidation. By integrating these elements, the book aims to create a deployable and effective package that can contribute to making the United States safer in a complex and rapidly changing world.

Throughout the book, readers are presented with compelling stories of individuals who dedicated their lives to serving their country in challenging circumstances. These individuals approached intractable problems with creativity and determination, developing innovative solutions that have had a lasting impact. The book serves as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the American people, highlighting their unwavering commitment to building a better future for themselves and generations to come. It is a valuable resource for policymakers, military leaders.

\n Weight: 564g\n
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 26 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781640122826\n \n