Human agency is often the most direct cause, as rulers subvert democratic norms and work for personal or kin-based gain.
Fulfill some expectations but perform poorly in others; they often suffer from corruption and deteriorating infrastructure. When States Fail: Causes and Consequences
State failure is rarely triggered by a single event but rather a combination of systemic issues: Human agency is often the most direct cause,
Climate change acts as a "threat multiplier," displacing populations and damaging infrastructure in already fragile regions. When States Fail: Causes and Consequences - Amazon.com When States Fail: Causes and Consequences
Scholars like Robert Rotberg categorize states based on their performance in providing security and other "political goods":
A rapid reduction in incomes, extreme inequality, and the informal privatization of essential services like health and education.