Which of the following is a key feature of a failed state?

The identification of a lack of government control over territory as a key feature of a failed state is fundamentally rooted in the characteristics that define such a state. Failed states experience a significant breakdown in authority and governance, leading to an inability to exert control over their own territory. This lack of control can manifest as the emergence of rival factions, warlords, or insurgent groups that operate autonomously, significantly undermining the state's ability to provide security and ensure the rule of law.

In contrast, an effective judicial system and the ability to maintain public order are characteristics typically associated with functional states, where government institutions are reliable and operate within their defined authority. Similarly, robust infrastructure and services indicate a level of development and governance that failed states lack. Therefore, the defining feature of a failed state is that it cannot effectively manage or govern the territory within its borders, which is why the lack of government control over territory is regarded as a crucial indicator.