The goal of development in fragile states is well established: to help forge pathways out of fragility towards self-reliance and to deliver inclusive and sustainable social, economic, and security outcomes for citizens. The way to get there is also clear: build national capacity to fulfil the core functions of a state. However, despite this broad consensus, including repeated commitments at the highest levels, an implementation gap remains. “Re-examining the Terms of Aid” explores why promises have not translated into practice and how development partnerships can better support fragile states to build state functions, deliver on their citizens’ expectations, and transition from fragility to self-reliance.