Sequencing reforms in fragile states: Topic guide
How can governments in fragile and conflict affected states plan and manage reforms when everything is urgent and important?
Abstract
How can governments in fragile and conflict affected states (FCAS) plan and manage reforms when everything is urgent and important, and when capacity and resources are low? How can external actors strategically support the fulfilment of essential and expected state functions? This Topic Guide provides an overview of the evidence that examines the sequencing of statebuilding and peacebuilding reforms in FCAS. The literature indicates there is no blueprint sequence. However, there are suggested, and contested, hierarchies of state functions. And there is evidence documenting how reforms in one area have had spillover effects in other areas of reform. Therefore, the literature suggests more focus on: (1) the common challenges and trade-offs of sequencing reforms; and (2) the process of prioritisation and sequencing.
Citation
Herbert, S. Sequencing reforms in fragile states: Topic guide. Governance and Social Development Resource Centre, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK (2014) 38 pp.
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