State-Building Theory and Practice

This study brings together internationally renowned academics to provide a detailed insight into the theory and practice of state-building. State-building is one of the dominant themes in contemporary international relations. This text addresses both the theoretical logic behind state-building and key practical manifestations of this phenomenon. Unlike ‘how-to’ manuals that seek to identify best practice, this book interrogates the normative assumptions inherent in this practice and the manner in which state-building impacts on contemporary international relations. The logic of state-building is explored and analyzed providing insight into the historical context that catalyzed this process, the relationship between international law and the practice of international administration, and the political ramifications and implications of external governance. Case studies on Bosnia, Kosovo and East Timor provide practical examples of key contradictions within the state-building process, highlighting the lack of accountability, democracy and vision manifest in these operations. Offering a coherent critical analysis of an increasingly important international issue, State-Building will appeal to students and scholars of international relations, comparative politics and political theory.

1. State-Building and International Politics: The Emergence of a ‘New’ Problem and Agenda 2. Colonialism Redux? Territorial Administration by International Organizations, Colonial Echoes, and the Legitimacy of the ‘International’ 3. Reconstructing Sovereignty, Deconstructing State-Building: The Question of Context 4. The State-Building Dilemma: Good Governance or Democratic Government? 5. Witnessing the Demise of the Developing State: Problems for Humanitarian Advocacy 6. Who Guards the Guardians? International Accountability in Bosnia 7. UNMIK - Facilitating Kosovo’s Final Status or its Future Status?: Reconceptualising the Problem, Changing the Solution 8. Building State Failure in East Timor 9. In Praise of Folly: International Administration and the Moral Breakdown of International Society 10. Conclusion: From Intervention to Administration

Aidan Hehir, Neil Robinson