This discussion paper is the firstoutput under the umbrella of the programmatic work on socialprotection in fragile and conflict-affected states. Thiswork aims to develop operational guidance to teams on thelikely determinants of effective social protectionprogramming and policy making in fragile andconflict-affected settings. This paper elaborates on therole of social protection programming, and programmingdesign and implementation features, that are prominent infragile and conflict-affected states. In particular, thepaper objectives in these countries, reflects on theirrevealed objectives, and discusses programming optionschosen to achieve those objectives as well as how severalcountries have overcome particular operational and capacityconstraints. This paper presents a methodology that has beendevised to group countries based on income, capacity, andextent of enabling environment. Use of this methodology willaid in understanding trends, patterns, and key factors inpolicy making and programming choices, good and bad.