Stabilization: Rethinking Intervention in Weak and Fragile States

Since the early 1990s many international interventions have aimed at spreading liberal institutions, norms and values in a number of so-called “weak” or “failing states” through the use of a variety of military and civilian tools. These interventions take place in the midst of on-going war or during the peace settlement process with both international organizations and (mostly Western) states seeking to avoid the relapse into war while building viable democratic institutions and a market economy. Since the September 2001 attacks on the United States, the perception that weak or failing states constitute a threat to international peace and stability has further motivated international involvement in areas of instability.