A failed state is a country where the government has lost control over its territory and is unable to provide basic public services, maintain law and order, or uphold sovereignty. Such states often experience political instability, weak institutions, widespread violence, economic collapse, and may become havens for terrorism, organized crime, or humanitarian crises.

• Rotberg, R. I. (2004). The failure and collapse of nation-states: Breakdown, prevention, and repair. In R. I. Rotberg (Ed.), When states fail: Causes and consequences (pp. 1–49). Princeton University Press.