When States Fail: Causes And Consequences -

Fulfill some expectations but perform poorly in others; they often suffer from corruption and deteriorating infrastructure.

Perform well across all categories, ensuring security, law, and basic infrastructure. When States Fail: Causes and Consequences

Deep ethnic, religious, or tribal divisions that are exploited by political elites to fuel violent conflict. Fulfill some expectations but perform poorly in others;

Human agency is often the most direct cause, as rulers subvert democratic norms and work for personal or kin-based gain. Human agency is often the most direct cause,

State failure occurs when a nation-state loses its ability to effectively govern its territory, provide essential political goods, and maintain a monopoly on the legitimate use of force . This guide breaks down the core concepts, drivers, and global impacts associated with this phenomenon. 1. Defining the Spectrum of State Strength

A rapid reduction in incomes, extreme inequality, and the informal privatization of essential services like health and education.

Scholars like Robert Rotberg categorize states based on their performance in providing security and other "political goods":