Post-Conflict Reconstruction and International Coordination

1 unit

This is an intensive, two-day seminar examining the practice and theory of post-conflict reconstruction and nation-building. The centerpiece of the seminar is a simulation centered on the case of Afghanistan circa 2002 in which students will play the roles of various international and local actors. Prior to the seminar, students will complete readings from academic and policy sources covering the primary elements of reconstruction and background information specific to the case of Afghanistan. Students also will be provided with materials on their specific role and will submit a position paper prior to the simulation. Day one is a full-day simulation. Students will play their roles to coordinate on major issues in reconstruction including conflict resolution, constitutional design, electoral systems, rule of law, security issues, human rights, and economic development. Day two is a seminar and debrief. Students will analyze their decisions in light of the academic and policy literature and compare their decisions to those made in the real world. Following the seminar, students will submit a final reflection essay drawing on the reading, the simulation, and the seminar to communicate lessons learned and make policy recommendations for future post-conflict reconstruction issues.