Retaining legitimacy in fragile states: id21 insights, issue 66

Globalisation, liberalisation, and the withdrawal of external support from Cold War alliances have placed enormous strains on some developing countries – best described as ‘fragile states’. These are states with high levels of poverty and inequality and low levels of state capacity. They are particularly vulnerable to
internal and external shocks as well as domestic and international conflict.

This issue of id21 insights explores different dimensions of state fragility, sources of political legitimacy and strategic considerations for the donor community.

Articles included:

• Risking civil war by promoting democracy: Snyder, J. & Mansfield, E.D.
• Bridging security and development: Basu Ray, D. & Jolly, R.
• Good intentions do not prevent conflict:  Malone, D.
• Making justice sector reform work: Dias, C.J.
• Rebuilding the revenue base for sustainable peace: Di John, J.
• Beyond anarchy in Somaliland and Afghanistan?: Debiel, T. & Schetter, C.
• Strong but fragile: Brown, G.