Angola and Sierra Leone

Paper Summary:

This paper takes a descriptive look at the difference between weak, failed and collapsed states, naming the theories behind each occurrence. It then goes on to do a comparative case study of two states, namely Angola and Sierra Leone. With a closer look at both Angola and Sierra Leone, the paper concludes that greed and the presence of potential wealth (i.e. natural resources) can truly turn a country upside down. It looks at how both governments used their positions for greed, power and personal gain, and how both almost collapsed in the process.

Outline:
Failed State
Collapsed State
Case Study: Two Failed States; How do they Compare?

From the Paper:

"Failed states are also caused by increases in criminal violence, oppression of citizens and lawlessness in the eyes of citizens. This relates directly to the concept of legitimacy loss, where citizens are forced to turn to drug lords or illegitimate means in order to satisfy their basic needs, like food, shelter, security, etc...Failed states have flawed institutions and deteriorating infrastructure (potholes, drinking water, power supply). According to Rotberg, an indicator and not a cause of failed states is the decline in per capita GDP due to increased income disparity (Rotberg 2003: pp.10). Sierra Leone is an example of a failed state, however details will be further discussed in the case study section of this essay, along with Angola. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Gillian Gunn, "The Angolan Economy: A history of Contradictions," in Edmond J. Keller and Donald Rothchild, eds., Afro-Marxist Regimes. Ideology and Public Policy (Boulder and London: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 1987) pp. 181-197
• I. William Zartman. "Introduction: Posing the Problem of State Collapse," in I. William Zartman, ed., Collapsed States. The Disintegration and Restoration of Legitimate Authority (Boulder and London: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 1995) pp. 1-11
• Philippe Le Billon, "Angola's Political Economy of War: The Role of Oil and Diamonds, 1975-2000" African Affairs, Vol. 100 (2001), pp. 55-80
• Rotberg, Robert I. 2003 "Failed States, Collapsed States, Weak States: Causes and Indicators". In Robert I. Rotberg (dir), State Failure and State Weakness in a Time of Terror. Cambridge: The World Peace Foundation, 1-25

More papers on Angola and Sierra Leone:

• Analytical Essay # 141941 : "Human Rights In Sierra Leone"
• Analytical Essay # 138485 : "Conflict in Sierra Leone"
• Essay # 23961 : "Diamond Wars in Western Africa"

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