Political Cultures Endure After States Fall

Posted: October 3rd, 2017

By Ryan Crocker

Ryan Crocker is Dean and Executive Professor at the George Bush School of Government & Public Service at Texas A&M University where he holds the Edward and Howard Kruse Endowed Chair. He retired from the Foreign Service in April 2009 after a career of over 37 years but was recalled to active duty by President Barack Obama to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan in 2011. He has served as U.S. Ambassador six times: Afghanistan (2011-2012), Iraq (2007-2009), Pakistan (2004-2007), Syria (1998-2001), Kuwait (1994-1997), and Lebanon (1990-1993).

The United States has long sought to export its system of liberal democracy abroad. In places where military juntas and dictators have risen – and where U.S. national interest aligns – the U.S. government has sought to implement regime change through both covert and overt means. While these efforts are difficult in themselves, the true challenge often lies in what comes after the moment that an undesirable regime falls. The Cipher Brief’s Fritz Lodge spoke with former Ambassador to Afghanistan and Iraq, Ryan Crocker, about how – and whether – the U.S. can guide a peaceful transition of power into the hands of a new government that is capable of accommodating the people it represents and becoming a partner for American interests.

The Cipher Brief: What are the biggest problems that need to be addressed the day after a country successfully changes a hostile regime in another country? Why is this so difficult to get right, in U.S. history specifically?

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