The myth of the failed state and the war on terror: a challenge to the conventional wisdom

Hehir, A. 2007. The myth of the failed state and the war on terror: a challenge to the conventional wisdom. Journal of Intervention and Statebuilding. 1 (3), pp. 307-332. https://doi.org/10.1080/17502970701592256

TitleThe myth of the failed state and the war on terror: a challenge to the conventional wisdom
AuthorsHehir, A.
Abstract

A central hypothesis in the articulated rationale inspiring the war on terror suggests that failed states play a key role in the international terrorist nexus and require external intervention and guided democratization. This logic is based on two related premises; first that there is a direct link between failed states and international terrorism, second that democratic governance reduces the recourse to terrorism. This article suggests that there is no causal link between failed states and international terrorism and that the asserted ability of democratic governance to catalyze a reduction in terrorism is exaggerated if not wholly inaccurate.

JournalJournal of Intervention and Statebuilding
Journal citation1 (3), pp. 307-332
ISSN1750-2977
YearNov 2007
PublisherTaylor & Francis
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/17502970701592256
Publication dates
PublishedNov 2007

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