BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

COLLAPSED STATE IN CONTEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL POLITICS

Author: Abul Kalam Azad

DOI Link: https://www.doi.org/ BIISSj2003v24n1a1

ABSTRACT

Standing at the threshold of the 21st century, it is difficult for many to conceive of collapsed states i.e., states losing sovereignty and control over its territory, so long organised around the order as envisaged in the Westphalian state system. The phenomenon, therefore, is a new one in the domain of international relations with many of its facets. While it is true that ‘weak state syndrome’ as is the case with the majority of the Third World states, is a precursor to collapsed states, the fact remains that Third World polity is still living with this reality and that many weak states are still surviving. The paper argues that, while the characteristics of collapsed states are similar, their paths towards ‘state failure’ are different problems and trigger mechanisms in the long trajectory towards its decay and collapse. Empirical study, examination, therefore, finds prominence in the article followed by certain theoretical reflections on the concept. Given the fact that weakness caused by failure in state building is the starting point in the trajectory of state collapse, a comprehensive state building in political, economic and social terms is the preventive strategy to salvage a number of Third World weak, fragile and vulnerable states from plunging into into any future decay and collapse.