The Fragile States Discourse Unveiled

This working paper is one of the first in a series of papers on fragile states, produced jointly by the five Working Groups which are part of the Knowledge Network Peace, Security and Development in Fragile States. The purpose of this working paper is to identify the common denominator in different definitions, to review the discourse on fragile states, to identify knowledge gaps, and to derive questions which will be relevant to the specific work of individual working groups.

The guiding questions for this paper are:
1. How and when did the Fragile State Discourse emerge on the agenda of international donor
organizations?
2. Conceptual Framework: What are features of fragile states? What are important elements
within the current Fragile State Debate?
3. Which assumptions, dilemmas and practices are hindering an effective approach towards socalled
fragile states?
4. Is there a need for reconceptualization of fragile states?
5. What are the issues that emerge and which bear relevance for future work?

Peace, Security and Development Network 2009

This publication is an outcome of the in 2008 established ‘Network for Peace, Security and Development’. The Network aims to support and encourage the sharing of expertise and cooperation between the different Dutch sectors and organisations involved in fragile states. The PSD Network is an initiative under the Schokland Agreements in 2007.