State Building
The Growing Interest in State-Building Regulation
State-building is a fashionable theme in international relations. Indeed, it is a subject in which I am particularly interested. The prevailing thought is that weak political and legal institutions cause civil wars and failed states. Therefore, to prevent these problems from recurring, training and support are needed to build strong and effective social institutions where none existed before. Consequently, an army of specialists with these skills has recently emerged and been deployed across the globe. However, state-building is still a science in its infancy, and we know remarkably little about it.
Challenges in Improving Institutions' State- Building
One thing is certain: improving institutions within failed states is far harder than it sounds. For example, in countries with no history of independent judiciary, democratic politics, compromise, power-sharing, effective civil society, or free media, transplanting institutions and standards from Western nations is remarkably difficult. Moreover, the resources required for such efforts are formidable. At the same time, there is a strong temptation to find easy solutions. In addition, the international missions that manage the projects are often unaccountable. Recruiting capable personnel to work in harsh or even hazardous conditions is a major challenge. Furthermore, foreign political systems and cultures typically take longer to understand than the period an international expert can realistically commit to working in that country.
The Enduring Importance of State-Building
Yet, state-building appears to be here to stay. This is because the international community views unstable and dangerous states as likely to export their instability and violence elsewhere. While military solutions can help to some extent, they only go so far. Without addressing the underlying political problems that cause a failed state’s instability, the country’s problems will quickly return, even after a military victory. Therefore, we must learn from existing projects and carry forward their lessons to future efforts.
Promoting State-Building Through Experience and Research
Through my writing, teaching, and research, I aim to promote this goal. I have direct experience with state-building projects through my work in Bosnia and Herzegovina and at the World Bank. Currently, I am engaged in a research project that seeks to transfer lessons from the Western Balkans to crisis spots elsewhere in the world. My book, A Free City in the Balkans, along with several of my writings, addresses issues related to state-building. Hence, I invite you to explore the Writings section of this website for more information.