Fabio Frettoli THE MODALITIES OF INTERVENTION IN FAILED STATES FROM A CRITICAL PERSPECTIVE The main aim of the thesis is to analyze from a critical perspective the modalities of intervention adopted by the international community and western institutions towards the so-called "failed states". Among those who work in international organizations, state-building projects often appear to be the best way to resolve the problems that afflict failed states. Most policymakers involved believe in the application, in these situations, of the principles that characterize the well-known liberal peace theory1 . It is indeed commonly assumed that liberal internationalism, democratic institutions and free markets are the main ingredients to develop a successful state-building project in every circumstance. The general idea behind this approach is that liberal democratic and market reforms will bring stability to the area, which in turn will cause state stability and prosperity to the singular individuals. Unfortunately the international actors, in their attempt to improve the situation as fast as possible, often have ended up focusing too much on the economic structural reforms, ignoring the factors that could bring some real benefit to the bulk of the population, favoring instead the local political elites, which are...