The LICUS term employed by The World Bank describes a group of fragile states with low socio-economic indicators and weak internal governance, institutions, and policies often affected by armed conflict.

LICUS countries that the World Bank has selected for study include among others, Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Comoros, Guinea Bissau, Haiti, Liberia, Papua New Guinea, Somalia, Sudan, Tajikistan, Togo, and Zimbabwe.

The LICUS Research Team aims to explore research conducted by international agencies and donors working in this field and in tandem with the Weak and Fragile States theme.

The project was initiated with an advisory group meeting consisting of representatives from international agencies, donor institutions, researchers and practitioners who will set the directives for future research. In the beginning phases, work will provide preliminary policy options on the effectiveness of economic and humanitarian aid and international interventions based on an examination of current principles of humanitarianism and state sovereignty