The term 'nation-building' has experienced a remarkable renaissance since the early 1990s. It has been used to describe and to justify the military interventions in Somalia, Afghanistan and Iraq. Linked to the idea of 'failed' or 'failing' states, the concept is used to hide and legitimise a whole range of diverse policies, allowing foreign powers to control and reshape countries in areas of conflict.

Currently the international debate on nation building is heavily dominated by US actors and authors, especially by writers connected to the Bush administration or its policies. This book presents academic and political alternatives, presenting a critical view from 'Old Europe'.

The book combines academic research and analysis with policy orientation, with contributors from both fields. It clarifies the terminology distinguishing developmental, peace-related, imperial and analytical approaches to nation-building. Highlighting its connections to globalization, democracy, ethnic and religious minorities, the contributors consider case studies such as Somalia, the Balkans, Afghanistan, Iraq and Nigeria.

About the Author
Jochen Hippler is a political scientist and peace researcher based at the University of Duisburg-Essen. He is the former Director of the Transnational Institute (TNI) in Amsterdam, and author of Nation-Building (Pluto, 2005) and The Next Threat (Pluto, 1995).

Reviews
This is a useful book, basically policy-orientated rather than theoretical. As rebuilding after conflict is likely to be an on-going need, the book contains really useful observations -- International Journal on World Peace



Book Information
ISBN 9780745323350
Author Jochen Hippler
Format Paperback
Page Count 216
Imprint Pluto Press
Publisher Pluto Press
Weight(grams) 281g