Our research has focused primarily on the views, roles, and actions of key stakeholders in the Iraqi reconstruction process. In evaluating our findings, we made a point to examine whether any of these activities are consistent with the Immanuel Wallerstein’s World-Systems Approach, and we have done so through by examining five individual areas. Examining the United States’ and contractors’ perspective, Liz Hennessy argues that the U.S. reconstruction effort in Iraq is consistent with a world-systems approach to international relations. She finds that the neoliberal conceptual framework for reconstruction, as carried out through two key programs, attempts to build an Iraqi state that is subservient to capitalism and reproduces the core-periphery model of geopolitical relations traditional of world-systems theory. Todd Dalrymple’s argument considers the role, motives, and politics of transnational and intergovernmental organizations in Iraqi reconstruction. He has found that IGOs have played an important role in financial support, which reinforces Wallerstein’s theory, but has been ineffective in pragmatic governmental guidance. Lauren Hobson’s research has yielded findings on the impact of the Western media’s perspective on the reconstruction process. The argument is strengthened by concentration on Western television and the evaluation of the role of Western media in previous conflicts. Oliver Turner’s work on the Arab/Muslim media’s perspective is developed through the analysis of three major Arab news agencies (al-Jazeera, al-Arabiya, and the new al-Hurra) and their respective impacts on the region’s view of the reconstruction process. Finally, Russell Grant’s research elucidates the critical role of the troops on the ground in Iraqi reconstruction and, more specifically, how the Pentagon’s “new map” effects the United States’ ability to sustain significant activity outside of reconstruction. Our references can be viewed here. Below are the links to our five areas of study on the critical perspective of the reconstruction in Iraq. |