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- Convenors:
-
Andrea Iff
(swisspeace)
Rina Alluri (swisspeace)
- Location:
- C408
- Start time:
- 26 July, 2012 at
Time zone: Europe/Lisbon
- Session slots:
- 1
Short Abstract:
Departing from the assumption that socio-economic reconstruction in post-conflict countries is a "development-plus" challenge, the panel seeks to discuss how the private sector interacts with other economic and political actors within conflict contexts.
Long Abstract:
The economic dimensions in (post)-conflict countries are most relevant for achieving sustainable and stable peace. South Asia is particularly relevant as the economies of post-conflict countries are more diversified than in other regions of the world. We depart from the assumption that socio‐economic reconstruction in post‐conflict countries is a "development plus" challenge, meaning that these countries face the same challenges as other developing countries, plus the added challenge of achieving reconciliation and peace. Based on this, case studies from India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be used to illustrate how addressing economic dimensions of peace and conflict often lead to varying results.Instead of looking at different (monetary) incentives how private sector can be promoted after violent conflict (financing, better insurance coverage, or export credits), this panel looks at how private sector actually contributes to peacebuilding in post‐conflict societies. The panel does not seek to identify specific companies or local businesses, but rather places an emphasis on understanding different perspectives on the role of private sector. Specifically, the panel seeks to discuss how the private sector interacts with other economic and political factors and actors within conflict contexts.
Accepted papers:
Session 1Paper short abstract:
This study explores the impact of economic change and state political capacity on the dynamics of violent intrastate conflict in India. Focusing on the Naxalite conflict in India the paper argues that state political capacity plays a critical role in the development of violent intrastate conflicts. Politically capable governments are able to mitigate violent state contestation by dissatisfied groups through the reduction of economic inequalities. Politically weak governments, however, are unable to foster economic change and emerge as focal points of violent insurgencies.
Paper long abstract:
Research in the study of violent intrastate conflict suggests that economic change particularly a reduction in income inequalities reduces the likelihood of such conflicts. Economic inequality is seen as a mechanism through which dissatisfaction among groups within a society are reduced thereby resulting in peace. This paper argues that state political capacity plays an important role in mitigating the onset of violent insurgencies against the state. A politically capable state is able to effectively reduce economic inequalities while politically weak states are unable to do so. Consequently, capable states are better able to manage the demands of its citizens while weak states become an arena of violent contests for control of the state apparatus. This paper studies the Naxalite conflict across India's states in order to demonstrate the critical linkages between state capacity, economic change and violent intrastate conflicts.
Paper short abstract:
This paper will analyze financial impacts of housing construction projects in post-conflict Nepal. It will focus on the projects' impacts on agricultural productivity, banking and finance and overall macro-economy after the end of the civil war.
Paper long abstract:
Among others, the prime cause for the armed conflict in Nepal was economic disparity. The conflict resulted into a huge loss of infrastructure. After the peace agreement, the state and private actor have been conducting massive construction activities. This paper will explore the relation between private sector's construction of high-rise apartments and economic transformation, a transformation which was the rebels' major agenda for waging the war.
The conflict devastated bridges, police beats, health posts, administrative buildings and telephone towers. Mismatch in financial distribution, alarming income gaps and misuse of economic resources further exacerbated the conflict. Since the warring parties have now reached a peace agreement, a proper process of reconstruction can address most of such causes.
Construction of new infrastructures is an important part of reconstruction in post-conflict economies, so is the proper distribution of the benefits from it. In this context, this paper will look at the construction projects by the private sector especially on housing sector. Discussion on how they address past and current economic faults will be a major part. Additionally, it will analyze the conditions, interests, stakes and strategies of private sector actors.
Since the focus will be on economic analysis of reconstruction, there will be substantial qualitative discussion. The authors will use journals, books and reports to compare the instances. But quantitative information will also be used for evidence-building. Primary data in forms of case studies and field observations and secondary data obtained from Ministry of Finance other concerned ministries, federations of industries and development agencies will be the basis of analysis
Paper short abstract:
The prevalent power legacy in Balochistan composed of traditional socio-politics effects the economic development and permeates center-province conflict.
Paper long abstract:
Legacy evolves with the passage of time depending upon the genesis of legatee and the interests of other linked entities. The prevalent economic legacy effects the economic development as it becomes the base of any economic edifice. The legacy of economic development is an anthropological phenomenon which descends upon heirs of particular territory linked to historical, political, and social factors.
This study is significant to highlight the legacy of marginalization in Balochistan comprised of poverty and underdevelopment as the economic growth has remained nominal. It is the Third Millennium that Balochistan has secured such a status amplified by economic opportunities within and around Balochistan because of foreign investment and interests. It has become the hub of foreign investment because of its geo-economic location which has expedited the conflict trends in Balochistan with two dimensions; one is that socio-political structure in Balochistan has taken up violence as means to obstruct economic change and two is highness of power structure of Pakistan to suppress the socio-political forces against economic strategies; the study has addressed the following questions:
1. How does the legacy of marginalization effect economic development?
2. What are the permeating factors of marginalization in Balochistan?
3. Which conditions encourage economic development in Balochistan?
4. Will the present configuration of interested entities in international-national-provincial economic system become able to adapt to contemporary economic challenges for greater economic development of Balochistan?
The objective of this study is to propose some policy suggestions to create compatibility between global geo-economic trends and socio-political interests of the native population for greater development of Balochistan.
Paper short abstract:
The paper examines the role of public business enterprises in peace building in Assam, North-East India. It shows that the promotion of business in the region through the government is additionally stirring conflict in the fragile region.
Paper long abstract:
While analyzing corporate engagement in peace, the paper identifies the enabling and constraining factors and motivation based on a number of public sector undertakings. Based on one-to-one interviews, focus group discussion and participant observations data was collected to inquire their role in the transformation process. The paper highlights that the local business sector is crucially important to address root causes of conflict and promoting peace but that much could be done in enhancing the conflict sensitivity with regards to the rule of engagement and different operational procedures.
This paper looks at three different aspects: the context, actors and activities. The context discusses macro‐political and economic constellations, entanglement of business in conflict and its impact. The second section covers actors, their needs and interests, tactics and strategies, linkages and networks. The third section assesses business actors in terms of their involvement and its effects on the conflict‐peace dynamics, timing and continuity of engagement and advantages and disadvantages.
This paper concludes that the economic issue is of less concern to the rebels, as they are focusing more on identity issues. In contrary, the government is promoting economy to pacify the rebellion and uses force to contain radicals. Hence, the promotion of small and medium-sized businesses to transform Assam from war to peace has been a one-sided agenda, triggering the conflict.