With fragile states representing both a core development challenge and a source of major threats to international security, the search for strategies to assist the recovery of failing and war-torn countries has been high on the agendas of donor countries. Stewart Patrick and Kaysie Brown candidly assess efforts to bring together diplomatic, defense, and development instruments—the so-called 3Ds of "whole of government strategies"—made by seven major donor countries: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
"Does an excellent job of reviewing how Western democracies are dealing with the challenge of fragile states.... It is one of the few [studies] that has the analytical rigor, depth of insight, and full understanding of the interdepartmental and interdisciplinary approaches needed to address the issues: a fine accomplishment full of needed candor and practical recommendations."—Andrew Natsios, former Administrator, USAID