Failed states are usually defined as those
that are unable effectively to control their territory. They pose a threat to their own
populations and to international security because they can offer sanctuary to pirates, bandits,
terrorists and criminal drug cartels.
What 9/11 taught us is that terrorist organizations, like all guerilla organizations, need a
sanctuary in which to organize, train and regroup. In a world in which the logistics revolution has shrunk distance
failed states represent a threat to all. There is no "far away land" any more.
Failed states represent clear threats to trade and therefore for economic and social development
in the regions in which they exist.
Western states will, whether they wish to or not, need to selectively intervene in some failed states
to ensure that they are not used as bases of operation for terrorists, pirates and criminal drug cartels
to protect their own security.
Given the number of failed and failing states great care must be given to not over extending
military and civilian resources in these "intervenions". Afghanistan is certainly one area "worth" the price.
The situation in Northern Pakistan is an example of a situation of a state which is functioning but
not in all of its nominal domains.
The existing nation state organization structure is useful but there are many cases where existing
boundaries should be altered and new states created either as independent entities or as parts of larger entities.
Redrawing boundaries is contentious as the example of Kosovos has recently shown.