Fixing Failed States: A Framework for Rebuilding a Fractured World

by Ashraf Ghani, Clare Lockhart

Today between forty and sixty nations, home to more than one billion people, have either collapsed or are teetering on the brink of failure. The world's worst problems--terrorism, drugs and human trafficking, absolute poverty, ethnic conflict, disease, genocide--originate in such states, and the international community has devoted billions of dollars to solving the problem. Yet by and large the effort has not succeeded.

Ashraf Ghani and Clare Lockhart have taken an active part in the effort to save failed states for many years, serving as World Bank officials, as advisers to the UN, and as high-level participants in the new government of Afghanistan. In Fixing Failed States, they describe the issue--vividly and convincingly--offering an on-the-ground picture of why past efforts have not worked and advancing a groundbreaking new solution to this most pressing of global crises. For the paperback edition, they have added a new preface that addresses the continuing crisis in light of ongoing governance problems in weak states like Afghanistan and the global financial recession. As they explain, many of these countries already have the resources they need, if only we knew how to connect them to global knowledge and put them to work in the right way. Their state-building strategy, which assigns responsibility equally among the international community, national leaders, and citizens, maps out a clear path to political and economic stability. The authors provide a practical framework for achieving these ends, supporting their case with first-hand examples of struggling territories such as Afghanistan, Sudan, Kosovo and Nepal as well as the world's success stories--Singapore, Ireland, and even the American South.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Economics, War, Political Science, International Relations, History

272 pages, Hardcover

First published May 2, 2008

About the author

Mohammad Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai (Pashto: محمد اشرف غنی احمدزی) is an Afghan former politician and economist who served as the 8th and last president of Afghanistan from September 2014 until August 2021, when his government was overthrown by the Taliban.

Reviews

[Grant · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the only occasion I've rated and reviewed a book I haven't read.

I feel that it can't be any good, except as unintentional humour, based on Ghani's own performance as president of Afghanistan.

[Asad Ullah · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book reminds me of the difference between theoretical and practical approaches towards statecraft. Ghani, a professor at John Hopkins tried his luck in Afghanistan and failed miserably; he will be remembered as a traitor by his fellow compatriots, if not that then 21st century's Shah Shuja surely. His ideas might have worked in a stable country for instance, in Egypt, Indonesia, or maybe Pakistan as well. there are certain ideas that are quite absurd and I believe those ideas are copied from Why Nations Fail; every country has its social order and that society defines as what kind of economic model suits it better. Region for that matter is a concern as well, no model can work in a hostile neighborhood such as Iraq or Syria. So last but not the least; firstly, issues must be resolved. Secondly, technology must be shared with third world countries, thirdly, aid or grant without any obligations must be provided to poor countries, and a collective and regional approach must be adopted for a win-win situation.

[Mohammad Sohaib · Rating 1 out of 5]

Book sucks ass as the author himself doesnt know shit

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mandatory read for deployment to Afghanistan for as long as Ghani is the president.

[Jun-Dir · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm writing this half a year after finishing this book, so most details have faded and all I have left are my impressions. Also I have a terrible memory. Having said that I thought it was thought provoking especially given the author's credentials, not because of them but that everything is explained with real life and usually first hand examples.

What I do remember though is the feeling near the end that 'this won't change the status quo'. The title promises much, but in the end it's closer to an academic analysis than anything else. I really should provide more references to back this statement up... perhaps on the next re-read! The fact that politics gets in much of the way of what needs to be done was acknowledged by the authors I think. That aside, the book is a good insight into the world of governance in emerging countries from an insider's point of view. It provides a lot of good points on what *should* be done, but doesn't exactly inspire confidence in the world or it's politicians (again, these are my post-6 month impressions, maybe I'm just a pessimist?)

[Nassir · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this priceless book authored by his excellency Ashraf Ghani & have gotten a lot from it. Do read it friends.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fixing Failed States sets forth a comprehensive manual for how to enhance the functionality of any given state- I almost think it should be titled, "Creating Effective States," since the scope of Ghani and Lockhart's prescriptions extend beyond states that are so dysfunctional as to be "failed;" any state could benefit from aligning with these principles. My ultimate question upon reading it, however, was, how does one persuade a regime that may be primarily interested in its own survival to actually be interested in aligning with these principles? Upon asking the folks at the Institute for State Effectiveness I learned that this persuasion currently entails a great deal of Ashraf's own charisma and application of his knowledge when approaching governments {Nepal, Kosovo, LIbya, Haiti, others}, but the idea to create a global index of state function, as proposed in the book, is part of their long term plan. Rather than being the work of analysts, the index would be assessed for each state by polling the public. Why not leverage global peer pressure? Bring on the peer pressure, I say, as long as the index is imbued with objectivity.

[M.F. Moonzajer · Rating 3 out of 5]

On his own words “States must fulfill their citizens’ aspiration for inclusion and development and design creative responses to the challenges of state building. Failing to utilize that asset ultimately reduces citizens’ trust in their government.”

Ashraf Ghani in his co-authored book by Clare Lockhart “Fixing Failed States: A Framework for Rebuilding a Fractured World” sets forth a manual for “how to enhance” the functionality of any given state. I have looked into his Ten Commandments prescribed for states today to accomplish and compared it to his performance since his sworn as president in September 2014 and it is a total disaster in practice.

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written by the reconstruction finance minister in Afganistan. He has seen first-hand the practical problems with the way state building and aid to impoverished countries are currently carried out. Out of this experience, he has developed a theory of what sovereignty should mean and how to nurture its growth in the modern era.

I found this book enlightening and thought provoking. It is not long, but not an especially easy read, either. He doesn't dumb down his vocabulary or his ideas.

[Ivan Kapersky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghani is very thorough in the book. I agree with him in most of his theories and concepts to improve a failed state.Ghani explains that the problem with failed states is not about money or supply, is basic money management. The most important factor in order to develop a failed state, is to create and establish a solid government based on the purpose to improve and invest in human capital. I recommend this book to anyone interesting in how to improve the human condition where there's no hope for humanity.

[Lucas Hopkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was disappointing. It spends a good portion of the time doing nothing but restating its premise. None of the ideas are flushed out and the examples and very spotty at best. A lot of the examples are exceptional cases that cannot apply to most existing states.

[Barka Ahmed Kashtu · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you read “Why Nations Fail?” and “Reinventing Government” you don’t really need to read this book.
The only Ghani’s contribution is demonstrating the international aid system to developing countries and highlighting why spending millions or billions of dollars is not enough to revive dead economies and failed states.
The reason I decided to read this book after the US military withdrew from Afghanistan and Afghani government members including ''the author of this book'' fled leaving their people under Taliban rule after they failed to build a state regardless of the enormous funds they received from the international community who essentially contributed to that failure.

So, this book is proof that knowledge and memorizing inapplicable academic theories are worthless when it comes to leading a struggling nations

[Rajiv Chopra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I came to the book with great expectations. Ashraf Ghani was a failed leader, but I did not let this prejudice me. He had considerable experience in a difficult nation and difficult circumstances.
The first few chapters provided useful insights into why some nations face problems. He and his co-author do not spare international agencies like The World Bank or the UN. Very little of the promised aid reaches the intended beneficiaries. However, while they gave a few examples of how states like Singapore became successful, they glossed over the details.
I would have preferred one case of success, like Singapore, one of a European nation like Germany and have these contrasted with one or two examples of failed states.
In the end, the book read like a consultant's report.

[Marius CEO · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of the least interesting books on international politics and global agendas I have read this year.

For some reason, It did not manage to hook me, surprise me or make me think enough to want to apply it's arguments in my discourse.

Usually, when I read books on history or foreign affairs I manage to think more clearly on a situation afterwards. With this book, however, my worldview did not shift much.

[Abdul Rahim Israr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fixing Failed States is an excellent book which sets forth the best explicit guidelines not only for fragile states but for all. Every state can benefit from the guidelines and principles of this book for better state services and effectiveness.

It's, indeed, very much thought provoking and useful tool for state building!

[Paul Kernaghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting, constructivist view based on research and experience. It is still highly relevant but a bit dated, otherwise I would have given it five stars. It would be interesting to see a new edition that considers factors such as extreme radicalization (e.g., ISIS), a rise in nationalism and the increasing impact of the cyber domain.

[Mohib · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my second read of the book, this a mix of theory and practice of state building. More geared to the pragmatic approach and examples. The framework proposed is comprehensive and addresses the important post conflict programs of stabilization.

It is a refreshing read and not too acadamic in that sense.

[Mark Lawry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frustrating and terrifying. Reading other reviews, even those who point out they didn't read it, I see he's being blamed for the corruption that existed and the collapse. My gut tells me this is unfair. He's the guy who took command of the Titanic as it was taking on water and doomed. Reading him from years after the fall it hurts to know he was replaced by the Taliban.

[Guy Molinari · Rating 1 out of 5]

Of course I have not bothered to read the book. You can just tell its probably a whole lot of nonsense if you have any practical experience getting things done in real life. It's far too easy to make up theories about how things should work.

[Ridwaan Ali]

to now how to rebuild the states

[Raakhi Chotai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this. Iconic.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A timely and relevant reference as now President Ghani, the man who literally wrote the book on governance, leads Afghanistan during peace negotiations.

[Farhad Khurami · Rating 1 out of 5]

During his presidency he made the best example of a failed state by nepotism, corruption and not knowing the country well.

[Zubin Jain · Rating 1 out of 5]

Followed Books Instructions to the Letter, Didn't work and Taliban Death Squads have forced me to flee into exile with as much cash as I can carry.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this about a year ago. I was interested to read the analysis of Ghani, given his knowledge of Afghanistan and his role in the government. But, I ultimately found it disappointing. While I have no significant disagreements with any assertions he makes, I was also left wondering what new ideas were advanced in the book: none that I can recall. Much of this book restates what others have already researched, documented, and explained. The rest of the book simply gives the authors' ideas for how to move ahead. It is ultimately an exercise in "would be nice to do [x]..." and "we should do [y]..." and so on.

[Homira · Rating 3 out of 5]

I meant to write a review of this when I first read it 2 years ago, but I left my marked up copy on an airplane and couldn't get myself to re-digest it. It made some really good points, but was a little brief and anecdotal for my wonky tastes. Of course, I adore Dr. Ghani himself. The book could've been a little bit thicker though. And the example of Singapore's development versus that of Afghanistan or Southern Sudan is a bit....interesting.

[May Jeong]

outdated in parts. the book extolls the virtues of the european community as the union unravels; insists that state building in afghanistan can be done "in a reasonable timeframe" (while berating a diplomat who insists that the project would take decades); mentions the singaporean political patriarch lee kuan yew as an example of success without addressing the civic liberties that were overlooked in the process.

[Rashad Raoufi]

a well researched and thought provoking book on state building and failed states. ghani uses his vast experiene with his coauthor to provide a comprehensive perspective on the challenges and answers for developing states.i think anyone concerned about globalisation,development,aid etc should read it.

[Qais Faqiri · Rating 1 out of 5]

The authors should change the title to book to "Failing Fixed States," because that is exactly what this pseudo-intellectual of the World [Colonials] Bank did to Afghanistan.

Better yet, the authors and publishers should recall this piece of politico-economy blasphemy and refund the readers not only for their money but for their wasted hours.

[Emily]

Good stuff - but too dense to hold my attention in the avalanche of other books coming in from the library.

I want to come back to it in the future

this was a great interview with one of the authors:
http://www.charlierose.com/view/inter...