ASTK12258U State collaps

This graduate seminar surveys the literature and data on extreme state weakness and collapse in the developing world. It considers the causes and consequences of state collapse and related issues of civil war and the emergence of strong non‐State actors that can challenge the state’s monopoly of violence within its territory. An emphasis is also placed on the prospects for state reconstruction after collapse. We examine such questions as: Why do States fail? Can we recognize and anticipate where and when state collapse may occur? What mitigating factors might help reverse negative trends and assist in the achievement of secure, sustainable environments for local populations once weakness sets in? Finally, it is important to ask: what are the challenges that state collapse present for international community, including issues such as massive refugee flows, economic disruption, terrorism, and transnational crime?
 

Competency description:

The course will provide invaluable skills and knowledge for anyone seeking to work on the issues of state weakness and failure and gain the practical ability to analyze the ethnic division that divide countries around the globe. Understanding these dynamics is invaluable for a wide range of careers, whether working for international agencies, multilateral organizations, non-profit organizations, corporations, or governments.