Is Skyrim a failed state?

[Freya1997]

Thorygg wouldn't have won either way. Too young and inexperienced. I think the reason Ulfric used it was partially because of how Nords tend to view people whit the ability to use the Thu'um and partially to ensure he won the fight without getting himself hurt incase things went downhill. Even Thorygg who adored him prior to this pretty much falls just a second short of calling Ulfric a coward for it.

[Rastafariel]

As stated by budcat, civil war 9 times out of ten can be considered a failed state. However I don't think Skyrim quite qualifies as one JUST yet. Just for some insight and validation of my points, I"m currently a political science student, so this is my area of expertise... So to speak... Now onto the fun stuff!

 

While the Civil War happening is generally enough to cause a failed state, they are still functional. You have to really look at the government and what they are doing. The Jarl's don't demonstrate the properties of failed state leaders. While there is a significant difference in the wealth of the Jarls, there isn't a large enough gap to say it's a failed state. There are enough middle and upper class people throughout Skyrim to justify the claim that they are NOT a failed state. The government (Jarls and guards) are still doing their jobs and providing what is needed for their people to survive. Jarl Balgruf in Whiterun is a great example of this. He commonly talks about the safety of his people, and even show compassion for them. When you first come to him from Riverwood if you tell him who sent you, he knows who that person is, despite them not even being in his city. This does not demonstrate a quality of a failed state ruler. Usually rulers of failed states are out of touch with their people and their needs. Guards are also still doing their jobs. And (If you stay away from the Thieves Guild quests) are not commonly seen abusing the people of their city. Granted they aren't always the most polite people, but they will fight to protect the civilians and can be heard telling people to get to safety when a threat arises. This again would not be a trait of a failed state.

 

Poverty exists in Skyrim, but it isn't rampant. There are beggars and poor farmers, but not enough to make entire cities feel like slums. Riften and Windlhelm however do seem to have a higher than average poverty rate (In comparison to other cities). This somewhat illustrates a failed state. The guard in Riften are 'corrupt' as well, by example of the guard at the gate who was instructed to collect a (non-existant) visitor's tax from people who looked wealthy (Merchants rather, as said by Brynjolf). Windhelm is also divided into the Gray and Stone Quarters, there is also the fact that the Argonians are not allowed to even live inside the city walls, and are forced to stay at the docks. While this isn't exactly the same as a failed state, it does show that there is a violation of human rights, as well as a deterioration of public service. You can further see the deterioration when you do the Blood on the Ice quest and the guard says they simply don't have the man power or time needed to look into a very serious problem for their people. Also, you can listen to Ulfric in the Palace of Kings, who seems solely focused on the war, while there is a murderer in his town as well as massive segregation. These are arguably traits of a failed state.

 

Skyrim does have a large number of refugees, but I think you misunderstood the definition of that point. While we cannot see other states of Tamriel, we cannot know for sure how many people have fled Skyrim. It is hinted at that many have left, however it's also worth noting that there is a large number of merchants and families coming to Skyrim because of the war. The exact numbers are hard to know, but the feel seems to be that there is a pretty even amount going in and out of Skyrim. Add the trade boats coming in and out of Solitude and Riften, and you can see there is a fairly nice amount of traffic in Skyrim. This does not demonstrate a failed state.

 

As far as urban development goes, there seems to be a pretty well spread distribution of this. I didn't feel like a large portion of Skyrims wealth was all in one area. There does seem to be a higher amount of wealth toward Solitude and the North West parts of Skyrim however. This is however arguably because of Markarth and the Blue Palace. Because the city of Markarth was already 'built' for the most part, not as much money was needed to develop the area. Solitude also housed the High King, and with taxes all coming to Solitdue in that time, this is somewhat understandable. Additionally the trade capital of Skyrim (Whiterun) is in the smack center of Skyrim. This to me seems to be a pretty fair balance of wealth, considering that Windhelm and Riften also seem to have a large amount of business.

 

The Chronic Human Flight condition is also almost negligible. While it is true that the magics are generally frowned upon in Skyrim this is mostly because of the Nord's dislike of it. They value honorable combat above magic. They also fear magic to an extent, due largely because of their suspicions of the College having something to do with Winterhold collapsing into the sea.

 

While the Thalmor do pose a threat to Skyrim this does not demonstrate a failed state necessarily. There is abolition of one of their deities as well as some control over their beliefs and history, the Empire has managed to keep the threat they pose to Skyrim at a minimal level. This can be seen as outside intervention, however Skyrim is a province of the Empire. The Thamlor do not qualify as outside intervention in the sense meant when dealing with failed states. These beliefs were lost due to a treaty with the Empire. Outside intervention that would indicate a failed state would be more along the lines of the Aldmeri Dominion sending food supplies to Skyrim. Since most of Skyrim infrastructure is still working, they can still supply themselves with food. This again does not demonstrate a failed state.

 

Ultimately Skyrim is at best a failing state. When you first begin a new game, they are not a failed state. But they are beginning to show signs that they could become a failed state. Should entire farms be burnt down, certain cities leveled or destroyed, and Jarl's beginning to not care about their people as well as the College relocating, we could then consider Skyrim a failed state.

 

 

Well said. But than again - this is your field of expertiese. Personally Im hoping the Bretons play a larger role in the next installment.

Edited September 14, 2012 by Rastafariel

[David Brasher]

Why is it that everywhere you look in Skyrim, there are massive stone ruins? At some point, the people of Skyrim were exceedingly industrious builders. But now everything is falling apart and nobody troubles themselves to repair the masonry. Windhelm and Whiterun are both crumbling.

[fraquar]

The real failed state isn't Skyrim, it's the Empire. Most of what is listed in the "failed state" OP are only happening because the Empire allowed them to happen - i.e. selling out Skyrim to end the Great War.

 

Seriously, who in their right mind fights an opponent to a standstill, yet still negotiates based on what seem "Unconditional Surrender" terms? (i.e. the very terms that were refused that started the fighting in the 1st place).

 

Every time I see a Thalmor patrol I'm reminded of that, they are only the visible part of a much bigger problem - and they are there on an open invitation.