SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH COUNCIL  /  AFTER SEPT. 11
Teaching Guide for "Building Peace" Essays

III. Questions for the Essays from "Building Peace"
  1. Barnett Rubin refers to "human security" in Afghanistan. What are some of the key approaches to providing human security, generally and in Afghanistan, in particular? Discuss the Bonn agreement's promise to bring about conditions of security, various measures that should be taken to ensure that these promises are realized, and any problems that may be encountered in the process of this transition.

  2. According to Margaret Mills, how can human capital be built in Afghanistan? What role will women play in the effective development of national human capital? Why?

  3. According to Asdar Ali, how is the situation in Pakistan linked to the current and previous situation in Afghanistan? What are the reasons for instability in this country, and why should such instability be of concern to the international community?

  4. Use the essays of Rubin and Kumar to describe the relationship between the current "interim administration" and the future permanent government there. What role should multinational troops play in the process of building peace in Afghanistan? What about international aid organizations?

  5. Using the essays by Rubin, Mills and Kumar, compose an essay addressing the various nation-building tactics that should be employed in Afghanistan to create long-term stability there. Be sure to include a discussion of the political, social, economic and cultural considerations that will need to be made for a successful transition to a peaceful society.


Social Science Research Council  |  810 Seventh Avenue  |  New York, NY 10019 USA  |  212-377-2700/2727 fax