Failing as a state? Lebanon, state failure and politics of demand

Abstract

While the failed state paradigm has generally served Western interests, in this article I suggest that ‘failed state’ can also be approached as a demand that is employed beyond its conventional meanings. I explore the topic in the context of Lebanon, where the use of the notion has been widespread since the economic crisis. I consider how ‘failed state’ has been reiterated as a justification for interventions, as part of blame games and as a demand for care. Consequently, I propose that when approached as a demand, ‘failed state’ is able to offer insight into the expectations placed on a state.