Why America Should Cultivate Nations Instead of Build Them

Article written by guest writer Rin Mitchell

What’s the Latest Development?

The idea is that if the American government changed its approach from building a nation to cultivating a nation, then it would be realized that in order to truly bring success to a failing society, financial and hardware resources is only a part of getting a society solid on its feet. The parameters and time period that the current system of Nation Building follows is the type of paradigm that can start out to be positive, where specific guidelines are set and  a foundation for cooperation is established over the next decade to share in commitments, fight terrorism and strengthen political institutions. However, if expectations are not met, it can cause problems. The lack of funding and equipment would be to blame, leading to the need for extra help and more money. Nation Building failures in Somalia, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan were due to “hasty and rapid importation of institutions that had no way to take root in the local society.” The people were not factored in, instead elections were the first to be put into place. It is stated that with the mindset of Nation Cultivation, taking the time to assess the demography, then focus on restoring the monarchy in a country such as Afghanistan—to create a sound authority that would establish some degree of unity and identity within a nation. 

What’s the Big Idea? 

Cultivating a nation is compared to agriculture because it involves a similar process. The same detail and patience that is necessary to see the first crop in a field, is what a nation needs to see the first sign of progress. The ultimate goal for all parties involved is to see a project to completion—for as long as it takes.