The next generation of development scholars and practitioners increasingly will confront protracted crises and weak (`failed') states in their work with profound implications for economic development.  Many of these protracted political situations, such as Somalia, southern Sudan, and Burma, have persisted for 15 years or more and often result in massive humanitarian crises, foreign investment flight, erosion of public institutions (including school and public health facilities), and endemic conflict and insecurity.

This initiative, funded by the Westchester Group, supports curriculum and program development on `the development challenges of protracted political crises and weak states.'  During the next two years it will support the establishment of a graduate course on the topic; support visits by development specialists to lecture graduate students on `development and protracted political crises;' and contribute to Emory's new Masters of Development Practice (MDP) graduate program.