Economic Dimensions of Civil Conflicts

• Main Author: Hacisalihoglu, Serdar
• Other Authors: Looney, Robert
• Published: Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School 2012
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10945/17374

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited === The thesis has five chapters (1) an introduction, (2) the economic risk factors causing civil conflicts, (3) the economic dimensions of peace building (4) a Kosovo case study, and (5) the conclusion. Chapter II discusses the economic risk factors that cause civil conflicts. Specific economic characteristics, such as the availability of natural resources, enduring economic decline (with its effects of low incomes and high unemployment), and diasporas make countries more prone to civil wars, both by providing revenues to insurgent groups and by weakening the power of the central authority. Chapter III provides information about war economies and presents the economic challenges of unstable post-conflict environment. The chapter emphasizes that challenges such as a fragile economic environment, illicit economic activities and peace spoilers must be overcome to achieve enduring peace. Chapter IV introduces a Kosovo case study to apply the economic dimensions discussed in the previous chapters. The chapter provides the background that led to civil war, explains the post-conflict economic environment, discusses the international communitys economic-recovery efforts, and recommends policy responses for economic development. Chapter V summarizes the main issues presented in the chapters. The conclusion also emphasizes the importance of studying economic dimensions to implement effective policies that will secure peace and provide development.