Societal Unity of Effort, a Fork in the Road to Development or Disaster -- Considerations for State Building
Abstract
Throughout history scholars have studied the development of states and posed the following question: Why do some states develop more than other states? In addressing this question, most studies have focused on the economic and political elements of the state. This paper analyzes the question: Can we assess state development potential by studying the societal or cultural elements of the state? It uses case studies of South America, Africa, and Asia to demonstrate the correlation between societal composition, traits and characteristics, and development as defined by the United Nations and the World Bank. The paper also presents a concept that provides a framework for assessing state development potential based on societal elements. This concept is called "unity of effort." The unity of effort concept utilizes three components to assess the sub-societal elements of the state: (1) commonality of interests, (2) achievement orientation, and (3) motivational mechanisms. By applying the unity of effort concept to South America, Africa, and Asia, one can identify inhibiting social characteristics common among underdeveloped states. The identification and acknowledgement of these limiting and inhibiting traits and characteristics are first steps toward finding ways to overcome these impediments and attempting to solve state development problems across the globe. A broader perspective with a focus on the long-term potential for security and human dignity may be required to resolve these issues. Through this research, the author hopes to provide considerations for state-building endeavors by the United States and other nations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 25, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA449978
Entities
People
- Matthew W. Davidson
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College