A failed state is a country where the central government has lost control of its territory, resulting in the breakdown of law and order and the inability to provide basic services and protect its citizens. Synonyms for this term include collapsed state, dysfunctional state, disintegrated state, anarchic state, disordered state, and chaotic state. Other related terms include fragile states, weak states, and failing states. These terms all describe countries that are struggling to maintain stability and security, and where poverty, violence, and conflict are widespread. Failed states are often seen as a significant threat to regional and global security and require international intervention to address their challenges.