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Fragile states and neoliberalism in Sub-Saharan Africa

27/05/2008 By Elsa González Aimé

MUSTAFA ABDI/AFP/Getty Images
Fragile states are perceived as a threat to the security of both the societies involved and the international system, and as such they are the target of a wide range of international policies. Despite the fact that these policies are generally designed on a case-by-case basis, the practical responses tend to follow standardised forms that do no tally with the objectives set out on paper. 
 
The works of Martin Doornbos Global Forces and State Restructuring and Padraig Carmody Neoliberalism, Civil Society and Security in Africa explain the problems of failed states from this base, and examine the distance between policies and their implementation. How are these policies constructed and applied? What do they mean for internal and international political processes?
 
In this Comment article, Elsa González argues that the two works offer answers to these questions, especially in placing a critical focus on the understandings and policies used to address failed states. With these new analyses, a space for discussion is opened, facilitating reflection on international power relations and the way in which failed states participate as partners with stronger state.

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Keywords

Central Africa Conflict Ethiopia Failed states Fragile state Somalia Sub-Saharan Africa

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Bio author: Elsa González Aimé

Elsa González Aimé holds a degree in History from Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, where she is currently a candidate for a doctorate in International Relations and African Studies in the Department of Political Science and International Relations. She is also a member of the African Studies Group and the International Relations Study Group.