Strategic decisions to reduce the size, scope, or ambitions of organizations--including states--to enhance future prospects are among the most difficult and least understood conclusions. This volume identifies the conditions in which less really is more, analyzing the possibilities for institutional redesign--including state contraction--for responding effectively to destabilizing and often violence-laden conflicts. Among the countries discussed in detail are Turkey, Pakistan, Morocco, Congo, Jordan, Indonesia, Russia, the former Soviet Union, Iraq, and India.

Provides a critical examination of African and international responses to Africa's economic decline of the last two decades, especially the links between economics and politics.