ABSTRACT
The state failure literature originated in a set of post–Cold War policy problems rather than emerging from any particular theoretical tradition. The concept of state failure was one of a number of new ideas proposed for understanding the new context. Kant is rarely invoked in the state failure literature, but the Kantian notion of asocial sociability is helpful for understanding the dynamics of state failure, and can provide the underpinnings of a unifying theory. Kant recognizes that social cooperation occurs even in absence of ideal state. In 1960s and 1970s the problems of post-colonial countries were often blamed on lack of modernization and nation building. It was assumed that stable governments would build modern nations, growing economies and robust middle classes and that these would generate democracy and strong state institutions. Many post-colonial governments regard bureaucracies inherited from colonial regime as politically suspect. Often they purge civil service, eliminating competent, experienced bureaucrats to prevent them from frustrating government initiatives.
