The general objectives for the research in this thematic cluster include empirically testing the hypothesis that HIV/AIDS contributes to state fragility at different levels and investigating the implementation of HIV/AIDS programmes and policies in countries that are classified as fragile states. Given that there are now sufficient indicators for state effectiveness and fragility, it is possible to draw very general lessons about the possible, and demonstrated, relationship between HIV/AIDS and state fragility. It is likely that such a relationship exists only under certain specific conditions, and research activities within this cluster will allow for at least a preliminary specification of those conditions, while also exploring why it is that states have shown greater-than-expected resilience. In addition, the impact of high- prevalence HIV/AIDS epidemics on small states, which already have very limited human resources and capabilities, will receive special attention through targeted research. The second main exercise of cluster three is to examine how best to design and implement HIV/AIDS policies and programmes in fragile states.