The role of inequality in state fragility. A quantitative analysis on the role of inequality in state fragility

Abstract

This thesis examines the role of inequality in state fragility. Specifically, the direct effect of income inequality on state fragility as measured by the Fragile States Index and the interactions between income inequality and spill-over effects, national prosperity and non-tax state income. As both levels of inequality and state fragility vary over time longitudinal data from the Quality of Government dataset is used in combination with temporally fixed data from other sources.

By employing polynomial growth curve models the issue is explored, finding support for a positive effect of income inequality on state fragility as well as some support for interaction effects between income inequality and national prosperity. There is found no support for interaction effects between either income inequality and spill-over effects or income inequality and non-tax state income.

The findings contribute to elucidating the role of income inequality in state fragility.