Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2019 - IS 806 G200

State Failure and Reconstruction: Comparative Perspectives (4)

Class Number: 8495

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The challenges posed by the 'new wars' and by state failure, and their consequences, the needs of humanitarian intervention, and the tasks of reconstructing or building viable states, involve critical security dimensions that are of both a military and non-military nature. It will explore the extensive body of literature on state formation and decay, and on intervention, in various regional settings with an emphasis on the causes of state failure, and the prospects of state rebuilding.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course focuses on the topics of state formation, state decay, and reconstruction in the wake of state “failure” or collapse. We will pay particular attention to debates about international intervention in fragile or “failing” states. Over the course of the semester, we will explore the following questions:

  • What are the defining characteristics of the state; and, what are its key functions?
  • What is state “failure”; and, how is it different from state “weakness”?
  • Why do states “fail”? And, what are the consequences of such failure, both domestically (for the people who live in failed states) and internationally? Do failed states pose a threat to international security? If so, how?
  • How should the international community respond to the political challenges and humanitarian crises caused by failed or failing states?
  • What policies or practices might help to prevent state failure?
  • What are the political and economic challenges and dilemmas associated with statebuilding in the wake of conflict?
  • Can external actors be effective in promoting reconstruction?
  • What are the key ethical issues associated with international intervention and statebuilding?
  • Should military force ever be used to try to relieve the suffering caused by state failure?
  • What can be done to promote social reconciliation in the wake of conflict and to create enduring peace?
  • What is the relationship between statebuilding and peacebuilding?
We will examine contending scholarly perspectives on these issues; and, we will draw on a range of academic disciplines (including international relations, sociology, comparative politics, and anthropology).

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

In completing this course, students will develop an ability to:

  • Describe and analyze the processes and conditions of state formation
  • Analyze the causes of state break down and collapse
  • Understand key security challenges associated with the breakdown of states and assess contending perspectives on how to address these challenges Analyze the role of international organizations in postconflict reconstruction
  • Understand and analyze the challenges of building democratic institutions in post conflict settings
  • Evaluate contending perspectives on how to manage the challenges involved in building institutions in postconflict settings
  • Evaluate policies aimed at social reconciliation and reintegration
  • Communicate ideas clearly and persuasively, both orally and in writing

Grading

  • First Essay (2500 words) 25%
  • Second Essay (3800 words) 30%
  • Reading response (700 words) & brief presentation 10%
  • Presentation* (including a written component of 1500 words) 15%
  • Participation & in-class assignments 20%

NOTES:

* Please note: The presentation assignment will include some coordination and collaboration with other students; however, each student will be required to research, write, and submit their own individual written component for this assignment.

Students will be required to submit their written assignments to Turnitin.com in order to receive credit for the assignments and for the course.

The School for International Studies strictly enforces the University's policies regarding plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty. Information about these policies can be found at: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/teaching.html.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Ashraf Ghani and Clare Lockhart, Fixing Failed States: A Framework for Rebuilding a Fractured World (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2008).
ISBN: 9780195398618

Robert I. Rotberg, ed., When States Fail: Causes and Consequences (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2004).


ISBN: 9780691116723

Other required readings will include articles and book excerpts, which will be available electronically online or on reserve (via Canvas).

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS