This book situates state failure and state collapse in historical context and explains the structures and forces that have led to state collapse in a number of countries around the world. It also analyses and critiques contemporary interventions and reconstruction efforts in collapsed states.




Addresses the subject of state failure which has received high-profile attention from both scholars and policy-makers.

Examines how and why states collapse.

Analyses and critiques post-conflict reconstruction efforts.

Has contemporary relevance for developments in places such as East Timor, Afghanistan, Nigeria and Georgia.

Challenges our assumptions about states and the state system.