Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2024 - IS 306 D100

State Failure and Reconstruction (4)

Class Number: 2779

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 6 – Jun 17, 2024: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

    May 6 – Jun 17, 2024: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Instructor:

    Jemima Ackah-Arthur

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines the causes of state fragility and collapse, and assesses the challenges of reconstruction. Focusing on cases from different regions, we will explore the security dimensions of state fragility; the role of humanitarian intervention; the challenge of building democratic institutions in divided societies; and, the relationship between statebuilding and peacebuilding. Students who have taken IS 409 with this topic may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

In this course, students will explore topics of state formation, state decay, and reconstruction in the wake of state failure or collapse. We will focus on the debates over military intervention and more broadly, international intervention in “fragile” or “failing” states. We will explore several topics including:

  • The characteristics and key functions of the state.
  • State failure and weakness.
  • Domestic and global consequences of state failure 
  • Threats of failed states to international security
  • Responses to failed states - international community actions and local responses.
  • The use of military force in state reconstruction
  • Opportunities for peacebuilding and social reconciliation after conflict

Drawing from numerous scholarly perspectives on these topics, we will investigate how, why, and when state failure occurs, its related consequences as well as the ways in which intervention can be possible. We will rely upon readings from various academic fields and disciplines such as anthropology, international relations, sociology, and comparative politics. 

Grading

  • Weekly reading responses 50%
  • Group presentation 30%
  • Class participation 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Failed States and Fragile Societies, A New World Disorder? 1st Edition. 2014. By Miner, Steven M. and Trauschweizer, Ingo. Ohio University Press. 

This is available for download online at
https://library.oapen.org/handle/20.500.12657/51038


RECOMMENDED READING:

State Failure in the Modern World. By Zaryab Iqbal, Harvey Starr. Stanford University Press, 2015.

When States Fail: Causes and Consequences. Edited by Robert I. Rotberg. 2010. Published by: Princeton University Press

State Failure, Collapse & Reconstruction. Jennifer Milliken (Editor). Wiley-Blackwell. 2003

These books are available through course reserves in the library.


Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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