Working Paper: CEPR ID: DP8285
Authors: Timothy J. Besley; Torsten Persson
Abstract: It is widely recognized that fragile states are key symptoms of under-development in many parts of the world. Such states are incapable of delivering basic services to their citizens and political violence is commonplace. As of yet, mainstream development economics has not dealt in any systematic way with such concerns and the implications for development assistance. This paper puts forward a framework for analyzing fragile states and applies it to a variety of development policies in different types of states.
Keywords: development; state fragility
JEL Codes: O10; O19; P45
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| Common interest state (H73) | Peace and effective governance (H11) |
| Weak institutions (O17) | Political violence or repression (P26) |
| Government investment in fiscal and legal capacity (H54) | Enhanced ability to provide public goods (H49) |
| Enhanced ability to provide public goods (H49) | Reduced incentive for violence (D74) |
| Higher natural resource rents (Q33) | Increased likelihood of civil conflict (D74) |
| Development assistance (F35) | Increased state capacity (H19) |
| Increased state capacity (H19) | Reduced violence (D74) |
| Weak or redistributive states (H77) | Increased political violence due to cash aid (H84) |