The Fund for Peace Event
September 11, 2012
2.00 pm - 4.00 pm
Washington, D.C.

Both Liberia and Nigeria held historic elections in 2011 and are moving forward, though with continued challenges around security, governance, and development. Please join us for a discussion of the latest findings compiled by the civil society networks in Liberia and Nigeria.

Through its UNLocK Program, The Fund for Peace partners with Liberia Democracy Watch in Liberia and the Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law in Nigeria for participatory conflict assessment and early warning. This program seeks to amplify the voices and perspectives of local civil society in conflict-affected countries and to synthesize that local knowledge for a better understanding of the conflict landscape in the interest of promoting sustainable security.

Broadcast August 16, 2012 | With J. J. Messner

What makes a failed state? Each year the Fund for Peace (FFP) releases its Failed States Index, a country ranking based on a set of indicators assessing stability and vulnerability. FFP hopes that governments and NGOs can use it as a policy tool for improvements. But critics question the value and fairness of the Index, suggesting it paints an incomplete picture.

In this episode of The Stream, we speak to J.J. Messner (@fundforpeace), Co-Director of the Failed States Index; Elliot Ross, writer at Africa is a Country (@africasacountry); and Syed Mohammad Ali, columnist at The Express Tribune.

Broadcast July 13, 2012 | With Suzanne Malveaux and Gen. Michael Hayden

Failed States Index 2012 released: CNN's Suzanne Malveaux talks with Former Director of CIA Michael Hayden.

Held July 13, 2012 | The Fund for Peace Event, Washington, D.C.

Published June 18, 2012 | The Fund for Peace

2012 Failed States Index Released:
Somalia ranked most troubled state for 5th straight year; Finland remains at best position; Libya, Japan and Syria Tumble

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Fund for Peace today released the eighth edition of its annual Failed States Index (FSI), highlighting global political, economic and social pressures experienced by states.

The 2012 FSI ranks Somalia as number one for the fifth consecutive year, citing widespread lawlessness, ineffective government, terrorism, insurgency, crime, and well-publicized pirate attacks against foreign vessels.

Meanwhile, Finland has remained in the best position, with its Scandinavian neighbors Sweden and Denmark rounding out the best three rankings. All three nations benefit from strong social and economic indicators, paired with excellent provision of public services and respect for human rights and the rule of law.

The FSI ranks 178 countries using 12 social, economic, and political indicators of pressure on the state, along with over 100 sub-indicators. These include such issues as Uneven Development, State Legitimacy, Group Grievance, and Human Rights. Each indicator is rated on a scale of 1-10, based on the analysis of millions of publicly available documents, other quantitative data, and assessments by analysts. A high score indicates high pressure on the state, and therefore a higher risk of instability.

The Fund for Peace Event
July 13, 2012
9.00 am - 11.30 am
Washington, D.C.

The Fund for Peace will be launching this year’s Failed States Index (FSI) this Friday in Washington, D.C.

We regret that the event is now full, and that we are unable to accept new registrations. We also regret that, due to space limitations, we will be unable to accept walk-in registrations on the day. Please be advised that video of the event will be available at www.fundforpeace.org following the event.

The FSI is a leading index that annually highlights current trends in social, economic and political pressures that affect all states, but can strain some beyond their capacity to cope. Apart from the impact on their people, fragile and failed states present the international community with a variety of challenges. In today's world, with its globalized economy, information systems and security challenges, pressures on one fragile state can have serious repercussions not only for that state and its people, but also for its neighbors and other states halfway across the globe.

The Fund for Peace Event | May 11, 2012 - Washington, D.C.

As the global human rights discourse evolves to confront today’s challenges, there continue to be a number of limitations in the capacity of organizations to effectively promote and protect human rights throughout the world. These limitations include weak global compliance, uneven regional efforts, and the inability of human rights organizations to apply punitive measures or provide technical advice to actually address human rights violations, rather than just highlight them. Too often organizations may find themselves investing significant time reporting on human rights at the expense of concrete programs that can turn rhetoric into real, positive change.

In addition, the global human rights discourse continues to be challenged by those that argue that universal reporting fails to take into account local cultures or social values, and treats open countries more harshly than closed nations. As a result, while the global human rights movement has achieved much success in promoting a human rights culture through international treaties, laws, and institutions, progress in the implementation of human rights norms across the world has been much more limited.

The Fund for Peace Event
May 11, 2012
10.00 am - 11.30 am
Washington, D.C.

As the global human rights discourse evolves to confront today’s challenges, there continue to be a number of limitations in the capacity of organizations to effectively promote and protect human rights throughout the world. These limitations include weak global compliance, uneven regional efforts, and the inability of human rights organizations to apply punitive measures or provide technical advice to actually address human rights violations, rather than just highlight them. Too often organizations may find themselves investing significant time reporting on human rights at the expense of concrete programs that can turn rhetoric into real, positive change.

In addition, the global human rights discourse continues to be challenged by those that argue that universal reporting fails to take into account local cultures or social values, and treats open countries more harshly than closed nations. As a result, while the global human rights movement has achieved much success in promoting a human rights culture through international treaties, laws, and institutions, progress in the implementation of human rights norms across the world has been much more limited.

The Fund for Peace Event
October 4, 2011
3.00 pm - 4.30 pm
Washington, D.C.

In February Ugandans reelected President Museveni to a fifth term in office by a landslide. A few weeks after the election, massive protests over the government’s management of the economy broke out in cities across the country and sometimes turned violent. Since then, the protests have subsided, but food prices remain high and segments of the population still feel politically disenfranchised. This context poses a challenge to continued progress for democracy and human rights in Uganda.

News from the Fund for Peace
Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (IHRHL), Nigeria
September 20, 2011

Issued at a one day technical workshop on early warning and sustainable security organised by the Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (IHRHL) in partnership with The Fund for Peace, Washington, D.C.

The workshop, the fifth to be held since May, 2010, was held on Wednesday, September 14, 2011, at the IHRHL Humanity House, Port Harcourt – Rivers State.

The meeting was attended by participants selected from CSOs from Akwa Ibom, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Abia, Kaduna and Lagos States. Fund for Peace was represented by two of its Washington, D.C. Senior Staff.

Broadcast July 24, 2011
With J. J. Messner
C-SPAN

J.J. Messner talked about the series of articles in the July/August 2011 edition of Foreign Policy magazine, including the 2011 Failed States Index, and his article, "States of Change" on which countries gained and declined the most in this year's Failed States Index. He also responded to telephone calls and electronic communications.

Broadcast July 20, 2011
With J. J. Messner
Voice of America

VOA's Paul Ndiho talks to The Fund for Peace's J.J. Messner in his two-part report on failed African states.

June 29, 2011
By Admiral Michael Mullen
The Failed States Index Launch Event

Transcript of speech presented to the Failed States Index 2011 Launch Event by Admiral Michael Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. on June 29, 2011.

June 20, 2011
News from The Fund for Peace and BENS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Business Executives for National Security (BENS) and the Fund for Peace today hosted the Failed States Index 2011 Launch Event at the National Press Club. Admiral Mike Mullen, USN, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, offered keynote remarks on the challenges that fragile and failed states pose for the international community. Today’s keynote remarks and ensuing debate continues a discussion started at the May 2011 BENS Policy Forum about a more holistic approach to a national security strategy.

June 29, 2011
By J. J. Messner
The Failed States Index Launch Event

Transcript of speech presented to the Failed States Index 2011 Launch Event by J. J. Messner, Senior Associate at The Fund for Peace, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. on June 29, 2011.