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François Gaulme, Fallen States and Fragile States – Twin Concepts in the Midst of a New Vision of the WorldFor the last two decades, the international community has opened up the debate on the entwined concepts of failed states and fragile states – a theme which particularly resonated in France. This paper considers the rationale behind these extremely rich intellectual developments and considers the present state of an art which encourages fresh criticism of a previously-favored model of ideal “Weberian” state.

Serge Michailof, On Breaking the Cycle of Failed States
Experience shows that the social and economic crises or even civil wars associated with failing states have spillover effects on neighboring countries and affect regional stability. As the international community rightly takes a more active role in aiding states left behind by the advances of globalization, its interventions for the most part have been blundered and ineffective, with the Afghan disaster as the culmination. One must consider whether the working methods, conceptual framework or even the broader philosophy that guide these actions are not profoundly ill-adapted. Viable solutions must ultimately prioritize the rebuilding of modern state institutions that are necessary for social restructuring and economic development.

Jean-Bernard Véron, Somalia, Paradigm Case of Fallen State
For the last two decades Somalia has been the scene of endless violence; stabilizing the country seems to be beyond the capabilities both of local leaders and the international community. Some causes are internal – either deeply rooted in the country's history, and its socioeconomic structure, or the consequences of globalization. Yet internal difficulties are now so closely linked with foreign intervention – at times extremely ill-advised – that it is tricky to find a way out of the Somali crisis and to build and implement more appropriate strategies.

Alain Antil and Sylvain Touati, Mali and Mauritania – Fragile Sahel Countries and Resilient States
States of the Sahel are often unfairly dismissed as merely having a symbolic presence on their own territory, and yet they do not fit the various descriptions of failed states. While Malian democracy is far from perfect, the country's institutions have demonstrated a remarkable resilience. Mauritania, a fragile state, is resisting the whirlwind. Both Mali and Mauritania are experiencing difficulties, but they are not failed states – a testament to the fact that, despite appearances, they both have their own elements of internal cohesion.

José Fernando Florez Ruiz, Columbia and the Idea of Failed States – Failed State or Failed Concept? The concept of a failed state is problematic. It concentrates on the state institutions and emphasizes investments in defense and security. In Columbia, President Uribe's double term certainly won the war waged against guerrillas and regained control of the territory, but this came at the price of widespread militarization, and a step back in terms of the state's role in social and economic well-being.

Tobias Harris, Japan's Democratic Party and the Archipelago's Drawn-Out Crisis
The marked victory of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) in 2009 sparked hopes of fundamental changes after a long domination by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). In late 2010 the atmosphere was that of collective disappointment. The DPJ has failed to change the government's rationale, particularly when it comes to the complex links between the cabinet, the administration and the majority party. Indecisive and lacking political vision in the midst of an economic crisis, the succession of prime ministers were doomed to failure.

Claude Meyer, Is the Japanese Economy a Looking-Glass on Our Future?
Supposedly bogged down by a drawn-out crisis, Japan currently produces as much as China. Its economy is faced with tough challenges, such as the lack of political leadership, public sector debt and a rapidly-ageing population. But Japan's assets are just as tangible as the difficulties it faces: technological excellence, dynamic trade, financial power, economic and commercial leadership in Asia. Strong political leadership, re-instilling faith in the country, could be the key to boosting the economy.

Céline Pajon, A Controlled Rearming of Japan
Japan is updating its military and diplomatic posture, reinforcing its position in the region in the face of growing concern over China's military modernization. The Japanese hope to acquire greater mobility and improve their force projection capabilities while putting in place a new regional security structure. Tokyo also hopes to diversify its international profile by reinforcing its participation in peacekeeping operations overseas. This will no doubt be followed by the arrival of Japanese industry on the international arms market.

Hiroko Takeda, Who's Afraid of ‘Bad Mothers'? – Socioeconomic Change and Political Discourse in JapanJapan's post-war development was built around the family model of the man as the breadwinner and the woman as the home-maker. The mother's role in children's education was paramount. The economic crisis and Japan's demography have meant that women's role outside of the home has been deepened. But this change in the workplace comes up against strong social resistance, as witnessed by a recurring discourse chastising “bad mothers”.

Julien Nocetti, Obama's Diplomacy as Showcased by the Web 2.0Obama's administration is intent on restoring the United States image abroad. In order to achieve this, it is utilizing all the technologies linked to the Internet to showcase its diplomacy while simultaneously linking the Internet to the promotion of democracy. Yet these choices are nevertheless debatable: while the Internet is certainly playing an increased political role, some authoritarian regimes are also able to adapt to the new realities of the digital age.

Simon Serfaty, Rethinking the Atlantic in a World that Needs Rethinking
The world that saw the birth of the Euro-American partnership is no more. A far more complex world is emerging today, one in which power is both concentrated and unfocused, one in which Western societies, while they remain strong, are nevertheless damaged. It is therefore essential to redefine the Atlantic. This means including critically important regions such as the Mediterranean, Africa or Latin America, as these regions are the key to the Atlantic's renewed strategic importance.