'Roland Paris and Timothy Sisk have compiled the essential guide to understanding the inherent contradictions that lie at the heart of the statebuilding enterprise. Drawing on a range of contemporary cases the volume's contributors expertly dissect the dilemmas raised by the challenges of coordination, security, political economy, institutional design, and autonomy. Students, analysts or practitioners looking to reflect on the process of statebuilding will find no better place to start their enquiry.' - Paul D. Williams, Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University, USA'Statebuilding is a primary challenge for the international relations, defence and development communities in our time. Peacebuilding turns out to be meaningless without state capacity, so often shattered utterly during civil (generally also regional) wars. This valuable volume draws on nearly twenty years of experience with peacebuilding during the post-Cold War era, through contributions of eminent scholars expert in this area and some exciting newer entrants into the field, in order to emphasize convincingly the central role of the state in supporting recovery from national collapse.' - David M. Malone, President, International Development Research Centre, Ottawa, Canada'This is an extremely timely study that is bound to stimulate considerable interest among academics and practitioners alike.' - Dr. Necla Tschirgi , University of Ottawa, Canada