Under Challenging Conditions: Development Cooperation in Fragile States

Abstract

According to the influential understanding set out by Max Weber, a defining characteristic of states is their monopoly on the legitimate use of physical force within a given territory (authority). Another defining element is their ability to create binding rules for society as a whole and to provide basic services (capacity). Finally, the foundation of stable statehood is the population’s shared belief in the rightfulness of the state's rule (legitimacy). Wherever at least one of these three dimensions - authority, capacity and legitimacy - is clearly limited, the definition of fragile statehood is met. Violent intrastate conflicts challenge the state’s monopoly on the use of force. States that cannot sufficiently protect property rights or fail to provide basic services are limited in their capacity. If citizens lose confidence in the adequacy and lawfulness of the state's actions, this diminishes state legitimacy.