Failed State

Definition

A failed state is a political entity that has lost the ability to perform the fundamental functions of a sovereign government: maintaining security, providing public services, enforcing law, and exercising legitimate authority over its territory. Failed states are characterized by civil conflict, humanitarian crises, collapse of governance institutions, inability to collect taxes, loss of territorial control to armed groups, and mass displacement of populations. They often become breeding grounds for terrorism, organized crime, and refugee crises that affect neighboring regions and global security. Examples include Somalia, Yemen, South Sudan, and Libya during periods of state collapse. The concept is contested, with critics arguing it can be used to justify foreign intervention.