The policy of Western industrialized wealthy democracies toward failed and badly governed states has vacillated between transforming these countries into consolidated democracies — or at least putting them on the road to Denmark — and doing nothing. The West needs to define a realistic set of objectives says Stephen D. Krasner, Graham H. Stuart Professor of International Relations at Stanford University. Policies can only be effective if they conform to the incentives of political elites in poorly governed states. “Good-enough” governance, he notes — though it may be far from the democratic ideals cherished by modern democracies — is both a realistic and achievable goal in providing security and basic services, some economic growth, jobs, and tolerance.