Spring 2025 - IS 806 G100
State Failure and Reconstruction: Comparative Perspectives (4)
Class Number: 3309
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 8 – Jan 15, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
VancouverJan 22 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Vancouver
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Instructor:
Brenda Lyshaug
blyshaug@sfu.ca
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Instructor:
JEMIMA ACKAH-ARTHUR
jackahar@sfu.ca
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 state building and peace building.
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 their 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
- Op-ed Essay (including peer review component) 20%
- Team Project: Case Study* 30%
- Briefing Paper 30%
- Defender of the Text Exercises 10%
- Participation 10%
NOTES:
*The team project (case study) will include an individual written component and a team presentation.
REQUIREMENTS:
Students will be required to submit their written assignments to Turnitin.com in order to receive credit for the assignments and for the course.
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Other required readings will be available electronically via Canvas.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Zaryab Iqbal and Harvey Starr, State Failure in the Modern World (Stanford, 2016)
ISBN: 9780804776738
This book is available electronically in the SFU Library; but we will be reading a significant portion of it. So you may find it useful to purchase a hard copy.
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
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:
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
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.