FAILED STATE Meaning and
Definition
-
A failed state refers to a nation-state whose government and institutions have been unable to fulfill their fundamental functions, leading to a breakdown of law and order, loss of control over territory, and a general collapse of governance. This term is often used to describe countries and regions that suffer from chronic instability, extreme violence, rampant corruption, and an incapacity to provide basic public services to their citizens.
In a failed state, the authority of the government is effectively nullified, resulting in the emergence of other power structures such as armed factions, militias, or even criminal organizations that undermine any semblance of stability. Here, security forces may become unreliable or non-existent, leaving the population vulnerable to crime, terrorism, and conflicts between rival groups. The breakdown of law and order can also lead to widespread human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings.
Furthermore, failed states often experience severe economic decline, with a lack of basic infrastructure, investment, and job opportunities exacerbating poverty levels and hindering any potential for growth. In many cases, failed states also struggle to provide essential public services such as healthcare, education, clean water, and sanitation, further exacerbating the suffering of their citizens.
The term "failed state" is frequently subject to debate and criticism, primarily due to its subjective nature and political implications. Critics argue that the concept overlooks the complex causes and dynamics of state failure, oversimplifying the realities on the ground. Nonetheless, it remains a useful framework for analyzing and understanding the challenges faced by countries experiencing severe governance breakdowns and helping to guide international responses and interventions.
Common Misspellings for FAILED STATE
- dailed state
- cailed state
- vailed state
- gailed state
- tailed state
- railed state
- fziled state
- fsiled state
- fwiled state
- fqiled state
- fauled state
- fajled state
- fakled state
- faoled state
- fa9led state
- fa8led state
- faiked state
- faiped state
- faioed state
- failwd state
Etymology of FAILED STATE
The word "failed state" is a relatively modern term that originated in the field of political science and international relations during the late 20th century. It combines the noun "state" with the verb "failed" to describe a particular type of nation-state that is unable to provide basic services and effectively govern its territory.
The etymology of the word lies in its literal interpretation. "Failed" is derived from the verb "fail", which originates from the Old French word "faillir" meaning "to fail" or "to be lacking". This term entered Middle English in the 13th century and has since been used to describe an unsuccessful attempt or a lack of success.
The term "state" originates from the Latin word "status", which means "condition" or "position".
