The interaction of failed states, terrorism and the need for 'nation building' is at the top of the international agenda, with particular focus on Afghanistan and Iraq. This path breaking collection brings together top analysts to examine the goals and challenges facing efforts to reconstruct states that have collapsed into anarchy or have been defeated in war. Drawing on lessons from 50 years of past experience with post-conflict reconstruction and development around the world, the authors provide historical context, identify difficulties that can impede progress and recognize the realistic limitations of ambitions to create new states. They assess ongoing development plans in a country devastated by more than a century of conflict. Throughout, particular attention is paid to the interaction of the goals of external and domestic actors, highlighting the importance of understanding the internal social, economic and political environment of the society receiving assistance.

'Assesses the emerging concepts of decentralization (devolution, empowerment, capacity building, and democratic governance) in different contexts and regions. Details the factors driving the movement, including political changes such as the fall of the Iron Curtain and the ascendance of democracy; economic factors such as globalization and outsourcing; and technological advances'--Provided by publisher.

Product Description: "Globalization and Change in Asia" explores three decades of adjustment on the part of governments, civil society, and the private sector to the complex new forces of international competition. Recognizing that the benefits of globalization have not accrued equally to all Asian countries, nor to all stratums of society, the authors seek lessons that can help shape development policy to effect the greatest good...read more

* Melds theoretical models with practical experience* Written by world-renowned experts on public administration* Guides future policy debates on helping to build effective and efficient states How does a government seeking to participate in and benefit from an integrated and interdependent world become more professional, technologically proficient, deregulated, and accountable? Reinventing Government for the Twenty-First Century tells you how.The authors identify the forces of globalization and the structural changes needed to increase state capacity and enhance global-scale participation. Professionals directly involved in assisting governments show public leaders and administrators how to improve the quality of their performance in government. (view table of contents)

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Scholars of public policy and regional and international studies describe large-scale policy changes of Asian and Pacific countries. Among them are land reform and export-led growth in Taiwan, Japanese educational innovations, China's study-abroad policy in 1978-93, rural development in Thailand, an (view table of contents)

Product Description: This collection of original essays highlights the implications of China's economic transition since 1978 for Sino-American business and trade. Each chapter assesses the implications of China's economic and trade reforms from a different perspective, but the thread running through all of them is a conviction that the government of China and Chinese enterprises will have to strengthen their capacity to compete more effectively in the global economy if they are to be successful in expanding trade and business with the United States...read more (view table of contents, read Amazon.com's description)

Product Description: A fundamental characteristic of the global economy during the 1990s is the reinvigoration of the private sector as the driving force for economic growth and social progress. This book surveys Central Europe during the early period of transition from late 1989 to early 1993, when governments were experimenting with privatization and economic reform, and assesses how privatization and economic reform policies have changed the business climate there...read more (view table of contents, read Amazon.com's description)

International assistance programmes for developing countries are in urgent need of revision. Continuous testing and verification is required if development activity is to cope effectively with the uncertainty and complexity of the development process. This examines the alternatives and offers an approach which focuses on strategic planning, administrative procedures that facilitate innovation, responsiveness and experimentation, and on decision-making processes that join learning with action. A useful text for academics and practitioners in development studies, geography and sociology.

Product Description: This work, the first to apply contingency theory to education reform planning, is particularly useful in that it has applications to planning both in developing countries and in the United States and Europe. The basic approach applies to a wide variety of development programs and will influence project management and policy administration...read more

Product Description: Rondinelli investigates a viable alternative to the pattern of swollen capital cities and impoverished countryside in the Third World. He outlines the rationale for creating a network of large secondary towns. These would provide a locale for industrial development that provides markets and services to rural areas without draining them of people and resources...read more

Product Description: Book by Rondinelli, Dennis A.