Kaplan is thorough through and through in his analysis. This is one of the best books I read on fragile states. It is fundamental reading for students, scholars and consultants in the development field who seek to make a difference in dealing with poor countries that cannot move beyond the poverty trap. In his book, Kaplan dissects the numerous dynamics of poverty. He talks about the politics of exclusion and how it contributes to a vicious cycle of exploitation and failure, often exacerbating the gap between the rich and the poor. He also highlights many discrepancies in fragile states that have some sort of a functional elite system on the surface, while festering with poverty and decay in its rural communities. In such conditions, the poor are deprived from access to basic services such as as schooling, roads, and work opportunities, thereby making a significant portion of the community unable to participate equally in their economies and societies. Kaplan provides many memorable real life examples throughout the book that articulates this dilemma.
The author also assesses the role of the donor community toward fragile states, which is a topic that is rarely broached outside of the "Paris and Busan partnerships for effective development". He looks at donor ideologies as impediments to pro-poor change. I believe more discussion around donor practices in developing countries is needed in order to maximize the input of aid and minimize the type of experimentation that lead countries to failure.
Kaplan also provides insight into the ability of poor countries to change and stabilize economically. The nations that were able to transform from poor to stable all had three things in common, first, a political system that is serious about inclusive development, second the institutional capacity to realize that goal, and finally the ability to design a development model that fits the cultural and social dynamics of each country's institutional and financial capacity. Kaplan concludes by stressing the importance of taking specific policy prescriptions that are tailored to each environment, not only at the country level, but the governorate and district level. But the onus is on the country itself to see the need for an attitude adjustment and find its way.
In addition, this book stands out from other literature in this domain because the expert has his own personal experience as both an academic and a businessman who was able to make some successful and unsuccessful investments in various developing countries. He is able to bring a fresh perspective on issues that are often forgotten in the development agenda. I appreciated topics dealing with people’s motivation, belief in the power of change, and even psychological impediments to reform and change (issues of fatalism, powerlessness, etc). Afterall, we are dealing with human beings, and it is important to take a holistic approach in understanding the way people in these countries operate in order to know how to drive the desired change. Kaplan believes that empowering people is a fundamental step that could unlock their potential. As a researcher and a consultant in developing countries myself, I think this book contains much insights, examples, and new ideas that are important for me as a reference. This book should be required reading for students in international development majors. I highly recommend reading it.
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