Capacity building is not only a contemporary buzzword of international relations, it is also a foundational practice. Hardly any global policy today goes without emphasizing the importance of capacity building, whether that concerns development documents, such as on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris agreements on climate change, cybersecurity, or the reconstruction of post-war societies. Substantial funds are invested in capacity building activities by international donors, including governments, international organisations and civil society. A significant number of experts, planners, specialist and For comments, suggestions and discussions we are grateful to