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State fragility and failure as wicked problems: beyond naming and taming

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  • Derick W. Brinkerhoff

Abstract

Conceptualising state fragility and failure as a wicked problem set reveals the complex, ill-defined and interdependent nature of the reality behind these labels. This essay builds on the contributions to this special issue by examining why the fragile/failed state concept remains in good currency despite its analytic weaknesses. The discussion reveals that the parsing of state fragility into its component parts and the development of related indicators reflect efforts to tame the wickedness of the problem set; this has led to peace-building and state-building interventions whose plans and actions do not effectively take account of what is necessary to achieve their intended aims. A better problem-solving match would look beyond naming and taming, incorporating lessons from the implementation literature and international development practice. However, achieving this would depend upon the political will of both labellers and the labelled.

Suggested Citation

  • Derick W. Brinkerhoff, 2014. "State fragility and failure as wicked problems: beyond naming and taming," Third World Quarterly, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 35(2), pages 333-344, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:ctwqxx:v:35:y:2014:i:2:p:333-344
    DOI: 10.1080/01436597.2014.878495
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    Cited by:

    1. Adama A. Gross & Uriah G. Bailey & Inioluwa Ogunseye, 2024. "Corruption, Prebendalism and the Fragile State: A Case Study on Liberia," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 8(2), pages 1445-1457, February.
    2. Klejda Mulaj, 2019. "On State-Building and Wicked Problems: Stateness, Nationhood and Mimicry," International Studies, , vol. 56(2-3), pages 129-146, April.
    3. Ariel I. Ahram, 2024. "In Search of a Middle East and North Africa Peace System," Contemporary Review of the Middle East, , vol. 11(2), pages 168-191, June.
    4. IACOBUTA Andreea-Oana & ASANDULUI Mircea & TIGANAS Claudiu-Gabriel, 2015. "Institutional Environment, Initial Conditions And State Fragility In Post-Communist Countries," Revista Economica, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Faculty of Economic Sciences, vol. 67(4), pages 63-77.

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