Weak or failed states
- where no government is in control
- are the source of many of the world's most serious problems from poverty AIDS & drugs to terrorism What can be done to help? The problem of weak states & the need for state-building has existed for many years but it has been urgent since September 11 & Afghanistan & Iraq The formation of proper public institutions such as an honest police force uncorrupted courts functioning schools & medical services & a strong civil service is fraught with difficulties We know how to help with resources people & technology across borders but state building requires methods that are not easily transported The ability to create healthy states from nothing has suddenly risen to the top of the world agenda State building has become a crucial matter of global security In this hugely important book Francis Fukuyama explains the concept of state-building & discusses the problems & causes of state weakness & its national & international effects