Broadcast August 16, 2012
With J. J. Messner
Al Jazeera

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.

Permalink:
http://stream.aljazeera.com/story/grading-state-failure-0022317