TOPIC GUIDE ON FRAGILE STATES Claire Mcloughlin ABOUT THIS GUIDE This resource guide introduces some of the best literature on the causes, characteristics and impact of state fragility and the challenge of aid effectiveness and lessons learned from international engagement in these contexts. It highlights the major critical debates that are ongoing within the international development and academic community in relation to understanding and responding to fragile situations. It is intended primarily as a reference guide for policymakers. New publications and emerging issues are incorporated on a quarterly basis. The guide was written by Claire Mcloughlin (GSDRC), in close collaboration with Professor Jo Beall (University of Cape Town) and Alina Rocha Menocal (Overseas Development Institute). The GSDRC also appreciates the contributions made by Alex Stevens (DFID) and Frederick Golooba Mutebi (Institute of Social Research, Kampala). Comments, questions or documents can be sent to Claire Mcloughlin:
[email protected]. ABOUT THE GSDRC The Governance and Social Development Resource Centre (GSDRC) provides cutting-edge knowledge services on demand and online. It aims to help reduce poverty by informing policy and practice in relation to governance, conflict and social development. The GSDRC receives core funding from the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and from the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID). www.gsdrc.org Please cite as: Mcloughlin, C., 2012, Topic Guide on Fragile States, Governance and Social Development Resource Centre, University of Birmingham, UK Governance and Social Development Resource Centre (GSDRC) International Development Department, College of Social Sciences University of Birmingham, UK This updated version published: March 2012 First published: August 2009 © International Development Department, University of Birmingham Topic Guide on Fragile States, 2012 1 CONTENTS CHAPTER I: UNDERSTANDING FRAGILE STATES Introduction: Fragile states on the international agenda ........................................