Supporting Failing States

When a state begins to gradually become weaker and weaker, almost on the verge of failing, it garners the attention of other larger, more successful states. The larger states, usually the superpowers, attempt to provide aid to the failing states and begin to 'manage' their activities. As we have discussed, the main reasons for failed states lies within an unstable governmental body, unequal distribution of rights and wealth, and the overall legitimacy/effectiveness of those leading the nation. By getting involved with failing states other nations, such as the United States, hope to establish their beliefs in that state as well as gain another ally. I believe, however, that by doing this those larger states are only further decreasing the weaker states chances of success.

The biggest threat posed by accepting the aid of another state is that the weaker state runs the risk of becoming dependent on that state. If the United States began shipping a plethora of food, clothing, and medical supplies to a failing state, that state would probably become completely reliant on the United States. If they can't find the means to produce food and clothing themselves because they've only been accepting hand-outs than they have essentially just become a colony under the larger state supporting them. To put it into clearer terms, if a failing state is totally dependent on a successful state, that successful state now has control over the smaller nation as they have become their source of life, in a sense.

Larger states also have the tendency to make weaker states undergo a 'regime change.' A regime change is when one state changes or modifies another states current form of government, typically using military force in case there is any resistance. An example of this would be the United States involvement in countries such as Bolivia. No military force was used, but when Bolivia announced they were looking for a possible change in their governmental structure, the United States gladly stepped in and helped them establish a democracy similar to that of our own. The problem with this is that the larger state will then try to constantly have oversight in regards to the governments legislation and policy changes. Therefore creating a sort of hidden-hand dictatorship of the weaker state.

As we can see, though intentions may be good, a larger state trying to save a weaker or failing state can easily result in the state failing, or becoming a potential colonization of said larger state. It should be said that aid to another state can be helpful and possibly quite effective, but only if it is done in careful moderation. If not, the possibility of failure is almost imminent.