Challenges of State-Building in Iraq

The book analyses Iraqi Army's reconstruction in the post-Saddam era. Despite an apparent plan and a coalition in charge, the research identified multiple consideration, planning and synchronisation issues. The roles of actors like the United Nations or national governments are isolated and discussed through a unique method.

The book aims to answer the central question: "What went wrong, more precisely, in the decision chain during the reconstruction of Iraq's military institution?" The holistic character of the approach is ensured through a series of background analyses.

Although most researches concluded already that Iraq's reconstruction was a failure, answering the question implied the design of an appropriate research method and data collection/analysis, in order to frame particular characteristics of the reconstruction process. Despite the complexity of the topic and theoretical Security Sector Reform principles, which can hardly be applied to Iraq's case, the thesis emphasizes on actors involved, their actions and connections between events, as part of a unique process.

Autorentext

Ecaterina-Elena Mäoi is a lecturer at Strategic, Public and Intercultural Communication Department, Security and Defence Faculty, "Carol I" National Defense University, Bucharest Romania. She holds a PhD in Intelligence and National Security ("Carol I" National Defense University), a Dr. phil. des. title in Near and Middle Eastern Studies (Humanities Faculty, Basel University, Switzerland), and an M.A. in Political Sciences, Security and Diplomacy specialization (National School of Political Studies and Public Administration NSPSPA Bucharest, Romania). Her areas of expertise and interest are: National Security, Middle Eastern Studies, SSR in post-Saddam Iraq, Propaganda, Cultures and Civilizations; the Military in 20th-century Middle East Politics and Geopolitics of the Persian Gulf region. Ms. Mäoi is also a devoted researcher and a volunteer trainer on different issues related to her fields of expertise.

Inhalt

Iraqi Army's reconstruction, post-Saddam era, Security Sector Reform (SSR), Stabilization and Reconstruction Operations (SROs), Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) Iraq, Iraq's modern military history and politics, Middle East armies, grounded theory