"The authors have done a superb job unpacking the complexities surrounding the concept of 'fragile state'. The scholarship is first-rate. Highly recommended." Choice "A very important book, tightly argued and brilliantly written, two qualities rarely found in a work by four authors of several nationalities. It is committed neither to an ideological orthodoxy, whether neo-liberal or neo-Marxist,nor purely descriptive or historical. It is both theoretical and empirical, both firm and nuanced. This small book is worth a whole library of studies on nation-building, fragile states and foreign interventions." Survival "An invaluable analysis which, in addition to imparting a deep insight into the complex nature of fragile states, gives a coherent historical framework which defines political trends in today’s era." LSE Politics Blog "A very readable and practically oriented approach to understanding the issue of state fragility." Ethnopolitics "A valuable contribution to the literature, analysing conflict and development in the modern era. The comprehensive historical information for each case study is of particular note, ensuring a clear and reasoned discussion of highly complex issues." Australian Journal of International Affairs "The authors offer a concise and robust introduction to fragility without falling into the trap of oversimplification." Nationalities Papers "An empirical triumph with policy relevance - truly unique in our field." George A. Lopez, University of Notre Dame "Largely based on the analyses of selected country studies, this important investigation into the roots of state fragility brings out results which question the need for further development assistance and instead find arguments for changes in, for instance, farm policies of rich countries. Particularly noteworthy in this book is the inclusion of cases that have avoided the state fragility that has afflicted neighboring countries. This gives further food for thought on how insightful governance can escape the dilemmas of state fragility." Peter Wallensteen, Uppsala University