In the article the authors outline the core theses and findings of their special issue for the Journal "Governance" and oppose the simplifying equalization of so-called failed states and the absence of governance. On the research focus of the special issue, the governance contribution of external actors in areas of limited statehood, they point out the factors for the effectiveness of governance contribution by this actors, which are: legitimacy, task complexity and the institutional design.

For a deeper insight into this topic, we recommend reading Special Issue External Actors, State-Building, and Service Provision in Areas of Limited Statehood: Introduction in “Governance” (October 2014).

The Monkey Cage article is available in English under the above stated link.

Stephen D. Krasner is a professor of international politics at Stanford University and a former director of policy planning at the U.S. State Department. Thomas Risse is a professor of international politics at Freie Universität Berlin, Germany, and a principal investigator of Governance in Areas of Limited Statehood.