failed states
seven
twenty
eight
hernio trio (for headphones)
this series is based on a signal chain using a small set of native Ableton and Max for Live devices: Simpler, Arpeggiator, Envelope Follower, LFO, and Vocoder, similar to the one used in the trauma of birth. these compositions explore several layers of Simplers triggered by Arpeggiators in free-rate mode. The arpeggiator speed is modulated by the amplitude of a slowed down vocal recording via Envelope Follower. That same vocal recording is used as modulator signal in a Vocoder signal chain using the Simpler streams as carrier. Multiple layers are combined and interact spectrally, and the natural gesture of the vocal's amplitude provides movement and dynamics amongst the levels, layers, and spectra. With a small edit to the Max for Live modulators, LFO and Envelope Follower, second-order gestures are utilized, mostly in hernia trio, whereby the amount of initial parameter modulation is itself modulated. the series was the basis for a master's thesis at Universitat de Barcelona and served as an exploration in potentials of simple modulators and devices.
failed states refers to the notion of an organized structural hierarchy losing control, and the threshold of this categorization itself being ambiguous and up for debate. the multiple layers in these pieces weave in and out of synchronicity and chaos, and their alignment is oftentimes blurry or questionable, but there are culminating moments where they coincide and correlate obviously. As politically failed states contain pockets and brief moments of organization and coalitions amongst the chaos, so too do the various spectral layers of these compositions.
the possibilities for this type of sound design are virtually limitless, in part due to the procedural nature of the signal chain. variations in Simpler seed samples, modulator type, audio modulator source, parameter range, etc. provide a rich environment for innovation and exploration, and the relative simplicity of the devices allows easy layering, multiple concurrent instances and complex spectral and rhythmic interactions. the attack-impulse effluvium categorization of this sound design also lends itself quite well to various interactive and gestural modulators and physical interfaces.
“a state that is unable to perform the two fundamental functions of the sovereign nation-state in the modern world system: it cannot project authority over its territory and peoples, and it cannot protect its national boundaries. the governing capacity of a failed state is attenuated such that it is unable to fulfill the administrative and organizational tasks required to control people and resources and can provide only minimal public services. Its citizens no longer believe that their government is legitimate, and the state becomes illegitimate in the eyes of the international community.
a failed state is composed of feeble and flawed institutions. often, the executive barely functions, while the legislature, judiciary, bureaucracy, and armed forces have lost their capacity and professional independence. a failed state suffers from crumbling infrastructures, faltering utility supplies and educational and health facilities, and deteriorating basic human-development indicators, such as infant mortality and literacy rates. failed states create an environment of flourishing corruption and negative growth rates, where honest economic activity cannot flourish.
the dynamics leading to and compounding state failure are many and varied, including civil war, ethnic violence or genocide, and predatory government and bureaucratic behaviour. state failure comes in degrees and is often a function of both the collapse of state institutions and societal collapse. a strong state provides core guarantees to its citizens and others under its jurisdiction in the three interrelated realms of security, economics, and politics. a failed state cannot maintain a monopoly on the legitimate use of violence and minimize internal conflict. it cannot formulate or implement public policies to effectively build infrastructure and deliver services or effective and equitable economic policies. in addition, in cannot provide for the representation and political empowerment of its citizens or protect civil liberties and fundamental human rights. thus, state failure manifests itself when a state can no longer deliver physical security, a productive economic environment, and a stable political system for its people.
the total collapse of the state marks the final, extreme phase of state failure, and very few states can be described as completely failed or collapsed. yet, research demonstrates that many states suffer from various degrees of weakness and are therefore potential candidates for failure. weak states were failing with increasing frequency, most of them in Africa but also a handful in Asia and the Middle East, and failed states are known to be hospitable to and to harbour dangerous nonstate actors such as warlords and grups that commit terrorist acts. for example, at the end of the 20th century, Somalia descended into state collapse under rival warlords, and Afghanistan, a failed state under the Taliban regime, harboured the terrorist group al-Qaeda. furthermore, state failure poses pressing humanitarian issues and possible emergency relief and state-building responsibilities for the international community. consequently, understanding the dynamics of state failure and strengthening weak nation-states in the developing world assumed new urgency.”
Barma, N. H. Failed State. Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/failed-state