The Fragile States and the Lack of Good Governance

This chapter explains the various definitions of fragile (failed) states. It explores the reasons for fragility, and makes a statistical analysis between good governance and the fragile states. The chapter analyzes the situation in Iraq, Somalia, and Syria from the point of the indicators of the fragile states. There may be overlaps between the characteristics of the fragile states and the lack of good governance. The chapter investigates the correlation between the indicators of the fragile states and the indicators of good governance to have a comprehensive understanding of the problem. Failed states offer terrorist groups a larger pool of potential recruits because they contain a large numbers of insecure, disgruntled, and alienated youths. The chapter uses Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI) indicator to measure good governance. To measure the failed states, The Fund for Peace developed the Fragile States Index (FSI).