Nation-building enterprises by the United States and the broader international community have run the gamut of success and failure. Some have enjoyed overwhelming support and others debilitating controversy. Some are motivated by national security interests; others by humanitarian concerns. They have seemingly exploded since the end of the Cold War but in fact have long been used as a foreign policy tool.

What they all have in common is a substantial investment of troops, treasure and time. There is no formula for success-each operation is unique, with lessons to be learned and trends to be noted. Examining the history of America's experience in nation-building, this book describes the mechanisms behind what often appears to be a haphazard enterprise.