What does this mean?
Nation-building can involve the use of propaganda or major infrastructure development to foster social harmony and economic growth.
The U.S. would like to help several countries become stable. This is called "nation-building." We can either help these nations by using propaganda or we can provide money and expertise to build schools, roads, water supplies, sewers, etc.
This sentence is describing the concept of nation-building, which refers to the process of constructing and shaping a nation-state. Nation-building typically involves various activities aimed at fostering social cohesion and economic advancement within a country.
The sentence specifically mentions two approaches commonly used in nation-building: propaganda and major infrastructure development. Let's break down each part:
1. Propaganda: Propaganda refers to the dissemination of information or ideas, often with a biased or persuasive intent, to influence public opinion and perception. In the context of nation-building, propaganda can be used to shape national identity, promote shared values, and build a sense of unity among the population.
2. Major Infrastructure Development: This refers to the construction of significant physical structures such as roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, telecommunications systems, and other vital infrastructure projects. Developing infrastructure can help improve the overall quality of life, enhance economic productivity, and facilitate social integration within a nation.
The sentence suggests that these two methods, propaganda and major infrastructure development, are used as tools in nation-building to foster social harmony (by shaping public opinion) and economic growth (by improving infrastructure).
To understand the concept of nation-building further, you can explore historical examples of nation-building efforts, academic literature on the topic, or case studies on countries that have undergone nation-building processes.