Fragile states and the international response: in pursuit of security or development?

Abstract:

This paper explores the meaning of the concept of fragile states that emerged at the end of the 2000s, and considers the attention that was being paid to it as a consequence of integrating security and development into the policy of the major donor countries. In an African context, state fragility was a cause of numerous conflicts, but also a major focal point of peace processes and donor interventions. This paper was intended as a warning against a too narrow focus on security in the process of combating fragility. It pleaded for an integrated policy, based on the pursuit of sustainable development and emphasised the strengthening of the authority and power of the state and the promotion of local economic and social development.