Failing states and failed politics: A call for public administration research.

The article discusses the author's transition from studying international relations to focusing on comparative public administration, particularly in the context of state capacity and governance. It highlights the challenges faced by the U.S. in establishing democratic institutions in Afghanistan and Iraq after military interventions, revealing a lack of understanding in political science regarding state formation. The author notes a shift in development policy towards strengthening state capacity, particularly following the recognition that capable states are essential for economic growth and governance. The piece also addresses the complexities of bureaucratic autonomy in the U.S. and the ongoing debates about the role of public administration in modern governance, emphasizing the need for greater academic engagement with this field. [Extracted from the article]