statebuilding - a process that historicallyhas been the outcome of bloody struggles to establish the state'sauthority over warlords, traditional authorities, and lawlessterritories?In this book, Timothy Sisk explores international efforts to helpthe world’s most fragile post-civil war countries today buildviable states that can provide for security and deliver the basicservices essential for development. Tracing the historical roots ofstatebuilding to the present day, he demonstrates how the UnitedNations, leading powers, and well-meaning donors have engaged instatebuilding as a strategic approach to peacebuilding after war.Their efforts are informed by three key objectives: to enhancesecurity by preventing war recurrence and fostering community andhuman security; to promote development through state provision ofessential services such as water, sanitation, and education; toenhance human rights and democracy, reflecting the liberalinternational order that reaffirms the principles of democracy andhuman rights, . Improving governance, alongside the state's ability to integratesocial differences and manage conflicts over resources, identity,and national priorities, is essential for long-term peace. Whetherthe global statebuilding enterprise can succeed in creating a worldof peaceful, well-governed, development-focused states is unclear.But the book concludes with a road map toward a better globalregime to enable peacebuilding and development-orientedstatebuilding into the 21st century.

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