Can effective public institutions emerge in some of the world's most challenging settings? This study examines how nine government agencies in fragile states have managed to improve their capacity. Institutions Taking Root identifies shared mechanisms underpinning institutional success in contexts such as The Gambia, Lao PDR, Sierra Leone and Timor-Leste. It explores:- Strategies for navigating difficult political landscapes- The importance of managing relationships with elites- How to build capable public institutions- How to achieve sustainable development in challenging contextsFor policymakers, development practitioners, and researchers, this volume offers insightful guidance for building effective governance and promoting equitable opportunity in countries with weak institutional capacity.