Explaining de facto states’ failure

Abstract

The chapter is devoted to a number of potential causes of the failure of de facto states. Along with more conventional approaches – such as a focus on reintegration with the parent state, and the lack of good governance and economic problems – this study also points out neglected and under-researched causes of de facto state failure. These include tribalism, factionalism, and ideological fragmentation. This chapter emphasizes that de facto political entities often tend to follow similar paths to failure as recognized nation-states. Similarly to recognized states, de facto states may fail well before their loss of sovereignty and territorial control.