Why can a state's authority be weaker in practice than it is on paper?

A state’s authority may be weaker in practice than it is on paper due to the distinction between de jure (legal) status and de facto (actual) reality. While a state may possess the legal right to govern, its practical ability to project authority over its territory and people can be significantly attenuated.12

This discrepancy often arises when a state is unable to perform the fundamental functions of a sovereign nation-state, such as maintaining a monopoly on the legitimate use of violence, protecting national boundaries, or delivering essential public services. When institutions—including the executive, judiciary, and armed forces—become feeble or corrupt, the state loses its capacity to implement policy effectively.2

Furthermore, a state’s authority is undermined when citizens no longer perceive the government as legitimate. Factors such as civil war, ethnic violence, and systemic corruption can lead to a collapse of state institutions, creating an environment where the government exists in name only while failing to provide the security, economic stability, or political representation required for effective governance.23