FEATURED REPORT
Fragile States
- February 18, 2022Can struggling countries become stable, functioning societies?
Nearly a quarter of the world's population — and more than three-quarters of those in extreme poverty — lived in countries and regions classified as “fragile” in 2020. Experts expect those numbers will grow, due to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, climate crises, the proliferation of militant extremist groups and growing geopolitical competition. The defining attributes of a fragile state include an inability to control its territory, govern effectively and deliver public services, usually because of violence, corruption or political oppression.
Experts predict that by 2030, two-thirds of the world's poorest populations could be living in conflict-plagued areas considered fragile. Do you think the United States has a responsibility to do something about that, and, if so, what?
Some experts say the U.S. military should not be involved in nation-building as it was in Afghanistan for 20 years. Others say that is the best way to prevent militant extremists who could pose a threat to U.S. citizens from taking control of unstable countries. What do you think?
| 1900-1950 | Ideas about nation states take shape. |
| 1950-2000 | The struggle between communism and capitalism plays out in developing countries, where the superpowers support proxy wars. |
| 2000-2008 | Security priorities and accountability predominate in international aid arenas. |
| 2010-2015 | Developing countries make economic progress, but wars in the Middle East produce heavy casualties. |
| 2016-Present | Poverty reduction trends begin to reverse as worldwide pandemic strikes. |
Is democracy the solution for stabilizing fragile states?
Pro
|
Senior Program Associate, Conflict Prevention and Stabilization, International Republican Institute; Senior Director for Strategy and Research, Center for Global Impact, International Republican Institute; Senior Fellow, Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, Atlantic Council. |
Con
|
Senior Adviser, U.S. Institute of Peace. |
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