In October 2003, CGD launched a bipartisan commission to outline a comprehensive US strategy to address the growing threat of weak and failed states. The Commission’s report helped to shape reforms adopted by the Bush administration.
The report put forward a set of policies to enable the United States to meet the challenges posed by weak states. First, invest in preventing states from sliding further toward failure. Second, develop innovative tools such as emergency surge capacities so that the United States can rapidly seize opportunities to stop state failure or block its consequences. Third, reform institutions to support a successful approach to weak and failed states. Fourth, forge a G-8 consensus and engaging regional organizations, major developing countries, and international institutions in support of the approach.
