Economic Causes of Civil Conflict and their Implications for Policy

This paper presents an economic perspective on the causes of civil war, based on empirical patterns globally over the period 1965-99.

Arguing that factors accounting for the difference between failure and success in achieving peace are to be found not in 'causes' espoused by rebel groups but in their radically different opportunities to raise revenue, the report highlights policy implications in terms of the economic dimensions for both governments and the international community.