Rebuilding in fragile states is a priority for all those concerned about poverty and the prospects for a more secure and stable world. But international engagement in fragile contexts is fraught with challenges and contradictions. As a result much greater attention needs to be given to analysing the contexts of fragility to ensure that policies and programmes are realistic, while donors like DFID need to improve and increase the human resources needed to engage effectively in fragile states.
Samir Elhawary, Marta Foresti, Sara Pantuliano and Leni Wild