880 million people 'vulnerable to state failure'

Most 'swing states' are located in sub-Saharan Africa
Most 'swing states' are located in sub-Saharan Africa
 

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Over 880 million people around the world are living in countries which face a high risk of conflict or 'state failure', a report out today warns.

The Institute for Public Policy Research thinktank's national security commission names 27 states it believes are critical 'swing states' in the struggle for peace and stability in the world.

Afghanistan, Pakistan and Burma all feature on the list, as does a strong concentration in sub-Saharan Africa including Zimbabwe and Nigeria. Other pressure points like Sri Lanka and Haiti are included.

The commission, chaired by former Nato secretary general George Robertson and former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown, is worried that 20 of the swing states are all currently experiencing violent conflict.

It warns the ungoverned space created by failed states will create direct threats to the UK through transnational crime or terrorism.

Diminished economic growth, loss of life and undermined multilateralism are all feared consequences of such developments.

"If these states can be lifted out of conflict or kept from falling into it… this could be an immense contribution to international peace, stability and prosperity," today's interim report from the commission states.

"If, on the other hand, they cannot achieve this status and are allowed to deteriorate further, they are likely to become increasingly vulnerable to instability, conflict and state failure."

The full list of states is:

Americas

Haiti

Middle East and Asia

Afghanistan
Burma
Iraq
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
Uzbekistan
Yemen

Africa

Angola
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Central African Republic
Chad
Congo-Brazzaville
Cote d'Ivoire
Democratic Republic of Congo
Ethiopia
Guinea
Guinea Bissau
Kenya
Liberia
Malawi
Nigeria
Somalia
Sudan
Uganda
Zimbabwe

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