This course tackles the question of how to design policies and programs to rebuild failed and weak nation states into functioning, if not vibrant, democracies. In pursuit of this end, we will examine the causes of nation state failure, the trajectories or pathways to and from failure, and the ingredients purported to contribute to the consolidation of democracy. In addition, we will critically assess the policies and programs of international actor’s intent upon aiding the transition to democracy. In particular, we will examine the programmatic efforts of one of the primary development organs – the U.S. Agency for International Development – in three settings: Ukraine, Rwanda, and Iraq.

We will assess USAID’s current complement of programs in each of these three settings and make informed judgments about whether they should be expanded, changed, or abolished. Ultimately, we will examine whether attempting to rebuild failed and weak nation states is an activity worthy of undertaking at all. Maybe weak states should be allowed to fail.  

Prerequisites: Sophomore Standing or Higher