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A fragile guideline to development assistance

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  • Simone Bertoli
  • Elisa Ticci

Abstract

The concept of fragility has gained an increasing relevance in the development discourse. Still, fragility remains a fuzzy and elusive concept. This paper presents a review of the literature, and it identifies two main sets of definitions of fragility, which substantially differ in their focus and breadth, and that reflect evolution of the discourse around this developmental concept. The limited consensus that is found in the literature suggests that the analytical salience and the direct operational value-added of this concept still remain unclear. Nevertheless the debate around state fragility played an important advocacy role, and it has offered key methodological insights with respect to the challenges that donors face, and on what it can be realistically achieved through external engagement.

Suggested Citation

  • Simone Bertoli & Elisa Ticci, 2011. "A fragile guideline to development assistance," Department of Economic Policy, Finance and Development (DEPFID) University of Siena 0511, Department of Economic Policy, Finance and Development (DEPFID), University of Siena.
    • Handle: RePEc:usi:depfid:0511
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    1. Jung, Woojin, 2020. "Two models of community-centered development in Myanmar," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 136(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    state fragility; development assistance; aid effectiveness.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F35 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Foreign Aid
    • H12 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - Crisis Management
    • H56 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - National Security and War
    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions

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