Why security is but a symptom: understanding the persistence of state failure

Author

• Stephen Jones

Date of Award

2013

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Jakee, Keith

Abstract

Most international relations scholars focus on internal insecurity as the primary problem in a failed state. I disagree with that view, and instead I seek to show that insecurity is created by rampant rule-breaking. Specifically, I argue that what I term “alegality” is the primary institutional structure of failed states. An alegal system is one where rules are written but seldom followed. An alegal system contains a government, so it cannot be considered anarchic. Under such systems, rule-breaking eroded reciprocal rule-following relationships, and this erosion removes constraints on behavior present in other societies. Without these constraints, states are characterized by internal insecurity, few publiclyprovided goods, a large and inefficient bureaucracy, and an autocratic leadership. Under the assumption that leaders, bureaucrats, and individual citizens all seek to maximize self-interest, I will show that their interactions within an alegal system result cause state failure to persist indefinitely.

Comments

Includes bibliography.

Recommended Citation

Jones, Stephen, "Why security is but a symptom: understanding the persistence of state failure" (2013). Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019. 154.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_honors_2/154

Extent

92 p.

Identifier

FA00003520