Publication

This paper examines the threat posed by fragile statehood to the security of the US. The author begins by reviewing the recent literature on state failure to understand what is meant by the terms "weak" and "failing," analyzing the threat such states might present, and identifying Asian states that might be of concern. Second, the paper reviews the current US administration's public statements on the threat posed by state failure and notes the states identified by the administration as weak or failing. The paper concludes with an effort to track the extent to which US public opinion reflects Bush administration statements and analyses by independent experts.