Publication

As the first section of this paper outlines, policy approaches to fragile states have been influenced by, among other things, poverty reduction strategies and the MDGs, the concepts of human security and “responsibility to protect” (R2P), new approaches and modalities for aid effectiveness, democratic governance, conflict prevention and resolution, and the “war on terror”. The evolution of the peacebuilding and statebuilding agendas, as well as the many challenges and tensions faced and caused by external interventions and support in fragile contexts are discussed in the second section of this report. The final section examines the significant gaps between the rhetoric and practice of international donors, as well as the limitations of the role of international actors and their ability to support peacebuilding and statebuilding processes in fragile states.