State capacity

State capacity is the ability of a government to accomplish policy goals, either generally or in reference to specific aims.^{[1][2][3][4][5]} More narrowly, state capacity often refers to the ability of a state to collect taxes, enforce law and order, and provide public goods.^[6]

A state that lacks capacity is defined as a fragile state or, in a more extreme case, a failed state.^[7][8] Higher state capacity has been strongly linked to long-term economic development, as state capacity can establish law and order, private property rights, and external defense, as well as support development by establishing a competitive market, transportation infrastructure, and mass education.^[2][9] State capacity can be measured by Government effectiveness index and government competitiveness and relates to political efficacy.