"States of Disarray" examines key contemporary social problems in the light of the startling changes that have taken place in world politics and economics in recent years. It looks at the underlying causes of these social problems, and emphasizes the importance of a holistic and multi-disciplinary approach in tackling them. The report thus explores not only the issues of poverty, unemployment, inequality, crime and drugs, but also the themes of identity crisis, violent conflict and the weakening of social solidarity. This illustrated report, written by the team at UNRISD, and drawing on the full range of its research resources, provides an essential introduction to these key issues of our times