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The Fallacy of the ‘Failed State’

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  • Charles Call

Abstract

This article examines the origins and evolution of the concepts of ‘failed’ and ‘failing’ states, arguing that the terms have come to be used in such widely divergent and problematic ways that they have lost any utility. The article details six serious problems with the term ‘state failure’ and related terms like ‘fragile’ or ‘troubled’ states, concluding that analysts should abandon these terms. It concludes with a modest attempt to develop alternative concepts and principles for thinking about diverse states that pose varied challenges for academic analysis and policy makers.

Suggested Citation

  • Charles Call, 2008. "The Fallacy of the ‘Failed State’," Third World Quarterly, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 29(8), pages 1491-1507.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:ctwqxx:v:29:y:2008:i:8:p:1491-1507
    DOI: 10.1080/01436590802544207
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    Cited by:

    1. Kohnert, Dirk, 2009. "Democratisation via elections in an African 'narco state'? The case of Guinea-Bissau," MPRA Paper 19109, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    2. Swenson, Geoffrey, 2018. "The promise and peril of paralegal aid," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 106(C), pages 51-63.
    3. Martin-Shields, Charles, 2017. "State fragility as a cause of forced displacement: identifying theoretical channels for empirical research," IDOS Discussion Papers 30/2017, German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS).

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