Today they are a rather weak institution, dependent on international support to hold back the enemies in the current civil war.

However, it was a reactive and relatively weak institution.

Huge natural resources, billions of dollars in profits, weak institutions and shaky justice leave many businesses seeking any protection they can find.

Poor countries tend to have weak institutions, such as weak rule of law and excessive informality, making it difficult to monitor and enforce contractual agreements.

But within these weak institutions, and whatever their position in the hierarchy, individuals have the power to make strong moral choices.