StblztnRcnstrctn of Afghanstn

3 Credits · Level: Graduate

Stabilization and Reconstruction of Afghanistan (2001-2021) Introduces international intervention and nation-building (state-building) theories and practice in International Relations. Draws on such successful American-led state-building experiences in the post-WWII Germany, Japan, and later South Korea. Then discusses the post-9/11 American intervention in Afghanistan to highlight what lessons from the aforementioned cases could have been applied to ensure nation-building success in the country, but why this didn’t materialize. Concludes with lessons to be learned from America’s nation-building failures in Afghanistan both for future re-engagement in the country, as well as for US-led international interventions elsewhere. Students will engage in Socratic dialogue to discuss assigned readings, ask critical questions, present their research findings, and write policy memos and research papers.