Resolved: Failed nations are a greater threat to the United States than stable nations

PRO/AFF, Thank you for agreeing to this debate. I would also like to thank the judges and audience for their attention and input. Judges ready? Opponent ready? ANALYSIS: I will begin by pointing out flaws in the PRO/AFF's first round position. A. It is the responsibility of the PRO/AFF to produce argument(s) that advocate the resolution's worthiness. In my opinion, this was not accomplished. The only information presented was an unsubstaniated claim to have once been the drummer of a high school band that no longer exists. He/she further stated that since the band no longer exists, it cannot be a threat to the United States. I am willing to stipulate that the alleged former band, in it's present broken apart status, does not produce a legitimate threat to the United States if it is indeed no longer in existence. B. The PRO/AFF has not presented any other evidence, or suggestions to substantiate the resolution. Therefore, I have very little to even argue with him/her. C. The PRO/AFF did not provide any sources for his/her single contention or definitions. D. The PRO/AFF's position thus far lacks legitimate substance and implies apathy. In just the few sentences he/she produced, there are at least 3 grammatical errors, not including the apparant misspelling of Ronald Reagan's last name used for his/her screen name. E. I will also challenge the definitions provided in relation to defending the resolution, as well as their sources. Every nation, failed or not, has competing political factions within its borders. ADDITIONAL DEFINITIONS: I am using the terms "state" and "nation" synonomously. Threat - an expression of intention to hurt, destroy, punish, etc., as in retaliation or intimidation an indication of imminent danger, harm, evil, etc. the threat of war (source: www.yourdictionary.com) Failed nations - The term failed state is often used by political commentators and journalists to describe a state perceived as having failed at some of the basic conditions and responsibilities of a sovereign government. In order to make this definition more precise, the following attributes, proposed by the Fund for Peace, are often used to characterize a failed state: loss of physical control of its territory, or of the monopoly on the legitimate use of physical force therein, erosion of legitimate authority to make collective decisions, an inability to provide reasonable public services, and an inability to interact with other states as a full member of the international community. Common characteristics of a failing state include a central government so weak or ineffective that it has little practical control over much of its territory; non-provision of public services; widespread corruption and criminality; refugees and involuntary movement of populations; and sharp economic decline ( source: www.wikipedia.com) Stable: firm in character, purpose, or resolution; steadfast reliable, dependable not likely to change or be affected adversely; lasting; enduring (source: www.your dictionary.com) Nation: a stable, historically developed community of people with a territory, economic life, distinctive culture, and language in common the people of a territory united under a single government; country (source: www.yourdictionary.com) FIRST CON/NEG: A. I oppose the resolution as stated. A failed nation lacks the leadership to be a greater threat than a stable nation. Even a nation with a Laissez Faire style of leader poses little threat to the United States because nothing will get accomplished. B. Stable nations pose a greater threat from several different avenues. Let's take a peek at what some of those entail. 1. Organized military: Many stable nations have organized militaries which could attack the United States is so directed. Failed nations likely do not have organized militaries. 2. Financial resources: Many stable nations have assets available that would enable them to pose a threat to the United States that failed nations may not have access to. 3. Leadership: Stable nations obviously have a sense of direction with some form of successful leadership in place. As the name implies, failed nations lack leadership. SUMMARY: Thus far, the PRO/AFF has failed to meet the criteria required of him/her while I have clearly produced the better argument. Thank you.