Hegemony, Modernisation and Post-war Reconstruction*

This paper seeks to understand some of the fundamental continuities between post-Second World War US-led reconstruction and the current (and thus far largely failed) attempt to effect a reconstruction process in Iraq. It argues that behind the rhetoric of benign rehabilitation lies the realpolitik of hegemonic interest. It finds that atheoretical and ahistorical analyses predominate in the study and execution of the post-war reconstruction industry. Focusing on technocratic “how to” solutions rather than “why” has produced anodyne conclusions, typified by uncritical pragmatism and bland admonition. This article argues that the hegemon uses post-war reconstruction processes as an opportunity to preserve and extend an international order friendly to its principles, its security and its prosperity.