Deep ethnic, religious, or tribal divisions that are exploited by political elites to fuel violent conflict.
Scholars like Robert Rotberg categorize states based on their performance in providing security and other "political goods": When States Fail: Causes and Consequences
Human agency is often the most direct cause, as rulers subvert democratic norms and work for personal or kin-based gain. Deep ethnic, religious, or tribal divisions that are
Climate change acts as a "threat multiplier," displacing populations and damaging infrastructure in already fragile regions. When States Fail: Causes and Consequences - Amazon.com and basic infrastructure.
Perform well across all categories, ensuring security, law, and basic infrastructure.