This research project aims to provide a better understanding of the link between the HIV/AIDS epidemic and fragile states. The study will look for epidemiological and demographic evidence to empirically test what the causal links are, if any, between HIV/AIDS epidemic and state fragility for a set of countries. The key question guiding this research is whether the (high) prevalence of HIV/AIDS in a country pushes it towards fragility. The research will mainly concentrate on Sub Sahara Africa, but will take the developments in Asia and the former Soviet Union also into account. By carrying out statistical analysis the study will try to explore if there is a causal link between the HIV/AIDS prevalence and (government) institutions inability to perform their duties and fulfil their mandates.