Today’s Washington Post article highlights the new World Bank’s report on fragile states. The growth in the number of fragile states, which are marred by ineffective governance, weak economic performance, and widespread poverty, is today’s reality despite increased U.S. assistance to countries at risk. One of the greatest dangers is that these states become a breeding ground for criminal and terrorist groups, in addition to leaving their populations stuck at the bottom of the development ladder.
“Fragile” countries, whose deepening poverty puts them at risk from terrorism, armed conflict and epidemic disease, have jumped to 26 from 17 since the report was last issued in 2003. Five states graduated off the list, but 14 made new appearances, including Nigeria and seven other African countries, Kosovo, Cambodia, East Timor, and the West Bank and Gaza. Twelve states, including Afghanistan, Somalia and Sudan, made both lists.
The article makes another observation which is key in this debate. There is an increased emphasis in the development community on channeling funds to countries that are committed to reform – such is the reasoning behind the Millennium Challenge Corporation, for example. Private sector capital also flows in the direction of investment-friendly, stable and predictable destinations. At the same time, the funds that do reach these states most often have to target security and other daily necessities, while not addressing properly the long-term institutional transformation that must take place.
Without private sector capital and shifting priorities in aid, does this mean that fragile states will be pushed further onto the sidelines? Despite the fact that these countries often create their own barriers keeping citizens stuck in the poverty trap — are we doing enough (or are we doing the right things) to graduate them from this category?
One thing is certain – as the history proves on so many occasions, sweeping your problems under the carpet does not work. You will have to deal with those problems sooner or later. As such, fragile states shouldn’t be ignored – we can’t just declare them a lost cause and move elsewhere. There has to be a strategy for dealing with them.
Published Date: September 15, 2006