America's Role in Nation-Building From Germany to Iraq

The post-World War II occupations of Germany and Japan set standards for postconflict nation-building that have not since been matched. Only in recent years has the United States has felt the need to participate in similar transformations, but it is now facing one of the most challenging prospects s...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Dobbins, James (auth)
Other Authors: Lesser, Ian O. (auth), Chalk, Peter (auth)
Format: Electronic Book Chapter
Language:English
Published: RAND Corporation 2003
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Summary:The post-World War II occupations of Germany and Japan set standards for postconflict nation-building that have not since been matched. Only in recent years has the United States has felt the need to participate in similar transformations, but it is now facing one of the most challenging prospects since the 1940s: Iraq. The authors review seven case studies--Germany, Japan, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, Kosovo, and Afghanistan--and seek lessons about what worked well and what did not. Then, they examine the Iraq situation in light of these lessons. Success in Iraq will require an extensive commitment of financial, military, and political resources for a long time. The United States cannot afford to contemplate early exit strategies and cannot afford to leave the job half completed.
ISBN:MR1753RC
9780833034861
9780833034601
Access:Open Access