Why are some territories not included in the list – like Kosovo or Palestine?
Only recognized sovereign states based on UN membership are included in the Failed States Index. Thus, several territories – such as Taiwan, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and Kosovo whose status is not final – will be excluded until their political status and UN membership is ratified. Also excluded are some states for which there is insufficient data. In the case of the Palestinian Territories, they are included as part of the assessment of Israel, since international law places governance responsibilities on the occupying power. The Fund for Peace may focus on specific states or territories irrespective of recognized state boundaries in other projects, but The Failed States Index uses a consistent standard of UN membership as the basis for inclusion, and international law is used for identifying governing powers.
