ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book. The book shows that the meaning of state failure in any historical period is judged by policy-makers against the pattern of international order promoted and legitimized by the great powers of the day. For instance, the contemporary failed state phenomenon is a product of the change to international ordering principles in the post-Cold War era that views a convergence towards good governance on the liberal-democratic model as normative for all states. Urabi's revolt first breached the pattern of international order represented by the standard of civilization' by removing legitimate government in Egypt recognized by the international society. The disorder in Egypt presented no direct threat to the British Empire and a rational alternative to military action was available. Britain could have come to terms with the Urabi regime as the Continental Powers and Chairman of the Suez Canal Company had already done.
