The Readout David Young x Lessons learnt for fragile and conflict-affected states
Jul 24, 2024
David Young, Deputy Director of the Lessons Learned Program at SIGAR, shares insights from his experiences in Afghanistan that are crucial for understanding local fragilities in the Indo-Pacific. He emphasizes the need for tailored strategies in foreign assistance, the importance of strong domestic institutions, and the long-term commitment necessary for effective development. Young also touches on the geopolitical challenges posed by China and offers key advice for Australian foreign affairs leaders to enhance their impact in fragile contexts.
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Fragility Is Universal
- Fragility exists universally in all countries, including Australia, as it faces climate, economic, and social stresses.
- Recognizing these helps frame development challenges beyond deficit views.
Use Lessons from Afghanistan
- Learn systematically from extensive detailed reviews of past reconstruction efforts like in Afghanistan.
- Use these lessons to improve future foreign assistance in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.
Rapport Improves Government Reform
- Inspectors General often face tension with agencies, but building rapport unveils deeper operational challenges.
- Sharing real constraints allows better-tailored reforms for government effectiveness.