Atlantic Council Strategy Papers Series
Autocracies Failed and 
Unfailed: Limited Strategies for State Building

A conversation with:
Dr. Stephen Krasner
Graham H. Stuart Professor of International Relations
Stanford University

Dr. Sadaf Lakhani
Senior Governance and Fragility Advisor
TrustWorks Global

Hon. James B. Cunningham
Zalmay Khalilzad Chair on Afghanistan and Senior Fellow, South Asia Center
Atlantic Council

Introduced and Moderated by:
Mr. Akbar Shahid Ahmed
Foreign Affairs Reporter
Huffington Post

The paper, written by the Graham H. Stuart Professor of International Relations Stephen D. Krasner, and featuring a foreword by Ambassador James B. Cunningham, argues that successful democratization attempts depend mostly on the interests of local elites. To address this “fundamental challenge” Krasner outlines the three elements of “good enough governance” that contribute to a relatively successful democratization effort: 1) security; 2) better service provision; and 3) economic growth.

The Atlantic Council Strategy Papers series is designed to enrich the public debate and build consensus on the great strategic challenges of our time, as well as to help shape strategic thinking in US and allied governments, the private and nonprofit sectors, and the global media.

The event will feature opening remarks from Dr. Peter Ackerman, Managing Director of Rockport Capital.

On Twitter? Join the discussion with #ACStrategy

Capitol Visitor’s Center
SVC 201-00
Washington, DC

This event is open to press and on the record.