Narco-state or failed state? Guinea-Bissau and the framing of Africa
Despite the evident weakness of state institutions and accountability of elites, Guinea-Bissau is still a country that ‘works’.
Academic rigour, journalistic flair
Articles on failed states
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Is the Fragile States Index ‘fatally flawed’?
The Fragile States Index leaves more questions than it answers. Like similar global surveys, its credibility hinges on reliable data. But how sound are its statistics and their interpretation?
South Sudan’s viability requires an honest answer to avert further disaster
South Sudan's independence in 2011, which ended half a century of deadly conflict, was met with much praise. But a descent into civil war has led to dismay and suggests fresh thinking is required.
Central African Republic takes a small step towards peace – but a leap is what’s needed
The CAR is a phantom state that has barely existed for years. Even with a ten-way peace deal now signed, what future does it have?
Meriam Ibrahim death sentence: West needs to give Sudan a bit of face time
The case of Meriam Ibrahim, a pregnant woman sentenced to death for apostasy by a Khartoum court, has rightly refocused international attention on the dire state of human rights in Sudan. Ibrahim’s prosecution…
Boko Haram and the state of failure in Nigeria
Earlier this month, Nigeria marked a most unwelcome anniversary; a year of special measures in the three northern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe. Located in the north east corner of the country, snug…
Top contributors
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Professor of International Security, University of Birmingham
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Professor of Politics, University of Birmingham
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Senior Lecturer, King's College London
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Lecturer in International Development, University of Birmingham
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Extraordinary Professor, Department of Political Sciences, University of Pretoria
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Visiting Professor, University of Kent
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