There is no clear universal definition of a failed state. A state could be said to succeed if it maintains, in the words of Max Weber, a monopoly on the legitimate use of physical force within its borders. When this is broken (e.g., through the dominant presence of warlords, paramilitary groups, or terrorism), the very existence of the state becomes dubious, and the state becomes a failed state. The term failed state is often used by political commentators and journalists to describe a state perceived as having failed at some of the basic conditions and responsibilities of a sovereign government. In order to make this definition more precise, the following attributes, proposed by the Fund for Peace, are often used to characterize a failed state: • loss of physical control of its territory, or of the monopoly on the legitimate use of physical force therein, • erosion of legitimate authority to make collective decisions, • an inability to provide reasonable public services, and • an inability to interact with other states as a full member of the international community. Often a failed nation is characterized by social, political, and economic failure. You tell me if the above does not describe Nigeria under Jonathan.
Posted on: Fri, 31 Oct 2014 11:16:21 +0000
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