The phrase ‘fragile states’ has gradually become part of the vocabulary of international donors in recent years. The concept of fragile states seeks to marry development and security issues. But it has led to a variety of fragile state agendas of international donors, and a lack of consensus on priorities and strategies. Fragile states are countries where there is overt or latent insecurity and/or bad governance, and low levels of social and economic development. It is a typical ‘donor label’ that is not always appreciated by the countries to which it is applied.   read more >>