The true cost of human life and why it matters
Using sunk costs to justify an ongoing war does not work—the U.S. public doesn’t support the ‘Don’t Let Them Die in Vain’ argument.
Poverty: A contributing factor to civil war?
A country ranked at the bottom 10% on a global poverty scale is six times more likely to see violent civil conflict than a country at the top 10%.
Are Alliances a Prerequisite for Multiparty War?
Alliances are a necessary condition for multiparty wars; the larger the war, the more likely alliances are a necessary condition.
Peace Journalism and Media Ethics
Audiences exposed to Peace Journalism have been found to demonstrate increased levels of hope and empathy, as well as decreased levels of fear and anger.
Examining Religious Peacebuilding in Sierra Leone
Religious actors can use their respected positions in society to assert neutrality to build personal relationships with, and influence parties in conflict.
Resources and Conflict: Reframing The Debate
In addition to the complex debate over natural resources’ role in violent conflict, there are many underlining sub-debates on the topic. One is centered on quantity: whether or not the abundance or scarcity of resources affects a particular outcome. This study summarizes the two arguments as follows: An increase in … Read more
Digging Deeper: Don’t Blame Your Resources, Blame The Environment
This article analyses the arguments linking resource scarcity to violent conflict. It is structured around the assumption that by focusing on the economic, political, and social conditions of a specific country, the relationship between resource scarcity and violent conflict could be better explained. The author argues that certain conditions in … Read more
Oil-Rich Dictatorships Will Not Be Overthrown by Armed Rebellions
This study explores two main arguments behind the Resource Curse: Violent domestic conflicts occur more frequently in oil-producing states than they do in non oil-producing states. Oil-producing states most commonly support autocratic regimes (characterized by long lasting regimes and low levels of democracy) than non oil-producing states. The study is … Read more
Fueling Conflict: The Link Between Oil and Foreign Military Intervention in Civil Wars
Nations are more likely to go to war with an oil-rich state when there is a lack of local competition.
What is the Resource Curse and How Can Natural Resources Lead to Violence?
This analysis highlights the various theories linking resources to conflict. Two major perspectives stand out: (1) a surplus or a lack of natural resources can directly lead to violent conflict; and (2) there is no connection between resources and conflict. Below, the author highlights three common triggers that maintain the … Read more
Cell Phones and Violent Conflict
Violent conflict is much more common in areas with low-tech communication capabilities (characterized by fewer than 34 landlines per 100 people).
