num_pages: 296
description: This is a comprehensive and careful analysis of relations between the United States of America and the West African country of Liberia. The book describes a series of policies with new evidence presented to demonstrate that the * by backing one of the most vicious military dictators during the Cold War, ended 133 years of peace in Liberia and unintentionally abetted a total breakdown of its institutions that lasts to this day;* by excessive intervention in manipulating events in 1990, prolonged an unnecessary civil war for six additional years; by attempting to micromanage the Liberian government immediately following a free and fair democratic election in 1997, withheld desperately needed aid for national reconstruction, isolated Liberia from the international community of nations, and prevented the rebuilding of the country after its devastating civil war;*by signaling its unwillingness to help Liberia, emboldened a rebel band to move to depose the elected democratic government by force of arms (a battle that is ongoing) and, in the process, kill, torture, and displace thousands of innocent civilians;* by persuading the United Nations to impose sanctions on Liberia to contain its president, Charles Taylor, undermined the national economy, discouraged foreign investment, and created a horrific humanitarian crisis for the civilian population of the country.This book stresses the importance of the U.S. looking ahead and anticipating the long-term effects of its policy upon events in the country it purports to help, the international community acting quickly and constructively the moment a conflict has ended, and the danger of focusing solely on the leadership of a given country without considering the plight of its citizens. In a larger sense, it is a case study for how the United States of America treats post-conflict nations.Demonstrating how the best of intentions can go awry, Lester S. Hyman argues for a reassessment of foreign policy toward Liberia and other post-conflict countries. He proposes a specific program of steps the United States can take to help Liberia now – suggestions that apply, as well, to other developing nations emerging from civil wars.
language: English
title: United States Policy Towards Liberia, 1822 to 2003: Unintended Consequences?
titlecomplete: United States Policy Towards Liberia, 1822 to 2003: Unintended Consequences?
ratings_count: 1
publisher: Africana Homestead Legacy Pub