Vilkova D. Fragile states in the international security system. –

State weakness or fragility that is characterized by inability of a state to perform key functions, is an important factor in the international security system. Such countries are prone to creating and spreading transnational threats of all types such as violence and conflict spillover, terrorism and a range of humanitarian threats such as migrant flows and problems in healthcare systems. Understanding the main indicators of state weakness, its manifestations and symptoms as well as outlining potential strategies for overcoming the problem are urgent for current international relations. The dissertation provides a comprehensive analysis of the concept of fragile states and the main stages of the discourse around the term.