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Exiting the fragility trap: Rethinking our approach to the world's most fragile states

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  • David Carment
  • Yiagadeesen Samy

Abstract

Those fragile states whose stagnation is so tenacious despite generous aid programs, and substantial and costly interventions, are stuck in a 'fragility trap.' Caught in a low-level equilibrium, trapped states appear to be in a perpetual political and economic limbo that can last for years and in several cases, decades. Our goal is to determine those features that trapped states have in common, and compare changes in those features over time with states that have successfully exited. The paper unfolds in four parts.

Suggested Citation

  • David Carment & Yiagadeesen Samy, 2017. "Exiting the fragility trap: Rethinking our approach to the world's most fragile states," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2017-181, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2017-181
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    Cited by:

    1. Rachel M. Gisselquist & Finn Tarp, 2019. "Aid Impact and Effectiveness: Introduction and Overview," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 7(2), pages 1-4.
    2. David Carment & Yiagadeesen Samy, 2019. "Aid targeting to fragile and conflict-affected states and implications for aid effectiveness," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2019-8, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    3. Yiagadeesen Samy & David Carment, 2019. "Aid Targeting to Fragile and Conflict-Affected States and Implications for Aid Effectiveness," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 7(2), pages 93-102.

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