The authors outline and analyse the many obstacles to success, highlighting how the lack of effective learning from experience has led to repeated failures to improve the quality of government. The authors draw on the donors' own assessments of the issues and on their own experience in the British Government and many other countries. They recommend a new approach to improving government: much less grandiose and more modest expectations on the part of the donors, and a new and enhanced role for recipient countries.

This is a hard-hitting analysis of the problems and potential proposals for change by two experts in the field. Both have not only advised governments in many different countries but also have first-hand experience of working at a senior level in British Government.

The aid community worldwide, academics and students of international politics, international relations and public policy, along with officials and politicians outside the aid community will all find this fascinating book of great value. It will also appeal to journalists and commentators

'. . . a detailed and well-argued book. . . They provide an excellent historical narrative that explodes the twin myths that nation building is a new phenomenon and that the post-war recovery in Japan and Germany constitutes examples of successful nation building that can be replicated elsewhere. . . this book is essential reading for anyone engaged in this issue.' -- Aidan Hehir, Political Studies Review
’"Nation Building", "Good Governance" and "Democratization" are the main slogans guiding efforts to help societies in trouble. But nearly all such contemporary endeavors fail. This book is invaluable in exposing the causes for disappointing results and thus provides foundations for much improved policies. It is obligatory reading for all concerned with improving governance.' -- Yehezkel Dror, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and author of The Capacity to Govern: A Report to the Club of Rome (2002)
'Reporting on the failure of international intervention, Jenkins and Plowden offer an illuminating analysis of an old but always ignored truth: institutions can be imported, not exported.' -- Luiz Carlos Bresser-Pereira, Getulio Vargas Foundation, Sao Paulo, Brazil
'Anyone contemplating giving aid to developing countries for economic development and governmental modernisation should read this wide-ranging and sharp analysis of why past programmes have brought disappointment and disillusion, and what can be done in the future to ensure more effective use of such aid. It goes beyond economics, encompassing history, culture, social factors and above all politics. It reflects the accumulated wisdom and scholarship of two experienced practical administrators and consultants, who have seen at first hand what can go wrong.' -- G.W. Jones, London School of Economics and Political Science, UK

Kate Jenkins, Visiting Professor, Government Department, London School of Economics and Chairman, KJA Ltd., and the late William Plowden, former Visiting Professor, Government Department, London School of Economics, UK