Schwache Staaten? Überlegungen zu einer fragwürdigen entwicklungspolitischen Kategorie

Abstract

Abstract

For most theorists of development the peripheral states are weak by definition and their weakness is a significant factor in the syndrome of underdevelopment. Recently, especially the states of the African continent are seen as paradigmatically „weak“ or „failed“ or „collapsed“ or „decaying“ states. Therefore, the paper uses African case material to discuss the thesis of the structural weakness of the peripheral state. The conclusion is that African states are weak only insofar as their „regulative power“ is concerned; insofar as their power to guarantee the accumulation of riches in the ruling classes is concerned, in contrast, they are definitely strong states.