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Weak states? A pursuit for a weak state definition and feasible reconstruction theories

Larsson, Samuel (2005)
Department of Political Science
Abstract
This thesis has two aims. One is to present a definition and demarcation of the much used but seldom defined term weak state. The thesis identifies a connection between sovereignty and state weakness, and suggests lack of so called domestic sovereignty as a demarcated definition of the term. This implies a focus on domestic peace and institutional stability rather than lack of autonomy, recognition, democracy or legitimacy.

The second objective is to discuss three different ideas how to improve the international community's ability to help reconstruct weak states (i.e. gain domestic sovereignty). The ideas are: Establish guardianship, institutionalise conflict response and involving sub-national groups. The thesis analyses the strategies... (More)
This thesis has two aims. One is to present a definition and demarcation of the much used but seldom defined term weak state. The thesis identifies a connection between sovereignty and state weakness, and suggests lack of so called domestic sovereignty as a demarcated definition of the term. This implies a focus on domestic peace and institutional stability rather than lack of autonomy, recognition, democracy or legitimacy.

The second objective is to discuss three different ideas how to improve the international community's ability to help reconstruct weak states (i.e. gain domestic sovereignty). The ideas are: Establish guardianship, institutionalise conflict response and involving sub-national groups. The thesis analyses the strategies and concludes that in the complex world of the international community, the most radical ideas are hindered by international law or lack of political will. The thesis can however point out a few feasible suggestions to make reconstruction more efficient. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Larsson, Samuel
supervisor
organization
year
type
H1 - Master's Degree (One Year)
subject
keywords
weak state, state collapse, failed state, sovereignty, Africa, Political and administrative sciences, Statsvetenskap, förvaltningskunskap
language
English
id
1332751
date added to LUP
2005-11-08 00:00:00
date last changed
2005-11-08 00:00:00
@misc{1332751,
  abstract     = {{This thesis has two aims. One is to present a definition and demarcation of the much used but seldom defined term weak state. The thesis identifies a connection between sovereignty and state weakness, and suggests lack of so called domestic sovereignty as a demarcated definition of the term. This implies a focus on domestic peace and institutional stability rather than lack of autonomy, recognition, democracy or legitimacy.

The second objective is to discuss three different ideas how to improve the international community's ability to help reconstruct weak states (i.e. gain domestic sovereignty). The ideas are: Establish guardianship, institutionalise conflict response and involving sub-national groups. The thesis analyses the strategies and concludes that in the complex world of the international community, the most radical ideas are hindered by international law or lack of political will. The thesis can however point out a few feasible suggestions to make reconstruction more efficient.}},
  author       = {{Larsson, Samuel}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Weak states? A pursuit for a weak state definition and feasible reconstruction theories}},
  year         = {{2005}},
}