Failed States

Abstract

The primary function of a state is to ensure the security of its citizens and maintain public order. In contrast to this concept, "Failed States" are countries unable to fulfil their core functions, often leading to social and economic destabilization. This term, established in the second half of the 20th century, refers to states where governance systems, public services, and security mechanisms cease functioning effectively. This article examines the key characteristics and root causes of "Failed States." Using Georgia as a case study, it illustrates how the country became a failed state in the post-Soviet period against internal political crises, economic instability, and regional conflicts. In the early 1990s, a military coup and ethnic conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia led to a severe humanitarian crisis. This was accompanied by pervasive corruption, economic collapse, and a loss of public trust in state institutions. The article explores the main factors contributing to state failure: the absence of the rule of law, corruption, economic challenges, internal conflicts, and environmental and geopolitical factors. For Georgia, these issues were particularly acute during its post-Soviet transition. The path to recovery and stability for "Failed States" involves strengthening the rule of law, combating corruption, implementing economic reforms, and fostering social cohesion. Georgia's experience underscores that the success of a state depends on the functionality of its governing institutions and the engagement of its society.