Economy and Peacebuilding
Transnational Corporations in Conflict Prone Zones
Private sector activity – including both licit and illicit trade and business – is a significant factor influencing the shape and intensity of many conflicts. With a few significant exceptions, however, there has to date been little effort (from public, private and civil society sectors alike) to engage different types of private sector actor systematically in conflict prevention.
This report assesses the possibility of the convergence of conflict prevention and CSR policy frameworks on the issues of TNCs and Conflict - a convergence that is crucial if policymaking institutions' commitments to either goal is to be fulfilled.
Breaking the Links Between Economics and Conflict in Mindanao
THIS REPORT SHEDS analytical light on the complex linkages between economic factors and the conflict in Mindanao, and on the possible role of local business leaders and their associates in communities or other sectors in the country in breaking these links. It also explores options for government in addressing these dynamics.
This report sheds analytical light on the complex linkages between economic factors and the conflict in Mindanano, and on the possible role of local business leaders and their associates in communities of other sectors in the country in breaking these links. It also explores options for government in addressing these dynamics.
Lo contrôle des armes légères en Afrique de l’Ouest (MISAC)
Ce présent rapport constitue une vue d’ensemble de la prolifération illicite des armes légères et de petit calibre (ALPC) en Afrique de l’Ouest et se concentre sur la mise en oeuvre des instruments sous-régionaux de contrôle d’armes. A cet égard, le Moratoire de la Communauté Economique des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (CEDEAO) sur l’Importation, l’Exportation et la Fabrication des Armes Légères en Afrique de l’Ouest (Moratoire de la CEDEAO) se distingue en tant que plate-forme principale sur laquelle le contrôle des armes dans la sous-région est fondé.
This report is an overview of illicit small arms and light weapons (SALW) proliferation in West Africa, focusing on the implementation of sub-regional control instruments. In this regard, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Moratorium on the Importation, Exportation and Manufacture of Small Arms and Light Weapons in West Africa (ECOWAS Moratorium) stands out as the main platform on which arms control in the sub-region is based.
Cette rapport est disponible en anglais et espagnol.
Business of Peace
During the past decade the forces of political transformation and economic globalisation have created a world of new opportunities and hope for some, but increased instability and insecurity for others. As we enter the 21st Century violent conflict continues to affect the lives of millions of people, undermining human progress and economic development. This has important implications for the private sector, which has become an influential player in many conflict-prone or conflict-ridden countries.
What Role for Oil Majors in Supporting Sustainable Peace and Development in Angola? A Survey of Stakeholder Perspectives
Introduction
This report presents the findings of a consultative research project examining the potential of oil majors to support peace in Angola. It looks in particular at oil companies’ relations with stakeholders, and argues that frequent and meaningful engagement with all stakeholders is essential for enabling business to become conflict-sensitive and to fulfill its peacebuilding potential.
Promoting a Conflict Prevention Approach to OECD Companies and Partnering with Local Business
INTERNATIONAL ATTENTION has turned in recent years towards understanding the economic dynamics of conflict – with a particular emphasis on the ways in which natural resource exploitation can fuel armed violence. Research into these dynamics has emerged from a spectrum of actors – from major multilateral institutions such as the World Bank, to both Northern and Southern based NGOs.
A briefing for the OECD-DAC Conflict, Peace and Development Co-operation Network meeting, March 2004.
Natural Resource Exploitation and Human Security in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is immensely rich in natural resources but its people are among the poorest in the world. This paradox is both cause and effect of the brutal exploitation of the country’s resources that has taken place since King Leopold, and that has fuelled such violent and devastating conflict.
The report is organised in three parts: first, summaries of the seminar presentations and plenary discussions; then analysis of the issues discussed and some conclusions; lastly a sketch of relevant policy actors and processes, with a view to further research and advocacy.
From war economies to peace economies in the South Caucasus (Russian)
Это результат восемнадцати месяцев исследований и анализа, направленных на изучение того, как более полное понимание существующей экономической ситуации в регионе может способствовать решению региональных конфликтов. Это также первая книга, в которой данный вопрос изучается с точки зрения людей, живущих в регионе - авторы являются членами Исследовательской Группы по Экономике и Конфликтам; команда экспертов собранана со всего Южного Кавказа, включая Армению, Азербайджан, Грузию, Турцию, а также Абхазию, Нагорный Карабах и Южную Осетию.
Представлен анализ о том, как более полное понимание существующей экономической ситуации на Южном Кавказе может способствовать решению региональных конфликтов. Это первая книга, в которой данный вопрос изучается с точки зрения людей, живущих в регионе.
From War Economies to Peace Economies in the South Caucasus
This is the product of an 18-month period of research and analysis that aimed to explore how a better understanding of the region’s current economic dynamics might contribute to the resolution of its conflicts. It is the first book to examine this topic from the perspectives of those living in the region - the authors are members of the Economy and Conflict Research Group; a pool of experts from throughout the South Caucasus, covering Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey and including Abkhazia, Nagorno-Karabakh and South Ossetia.
How a better understanding of the South Caucasus’ current economic dynamics could contribute to the resolution of its conflicts, from the perspectives of those living in the region.
Oil and the Search for Peace in the South Caucasus
This report sheds light on the nature of the relationship between the oil industry and conflict in a region that has been unstable since the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s – with a particular focus on the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline (currently being built to transport oil from the Caspian to the Mediterranean). Once fully operational (2006 is predicted) the BTC will have a capacity to deliver 1 million barrels per day to the Turkish port of Ceyhan. The report recognises that construction of the pipeline is largely the responsibility of BTC Co.
This report analyses the interaction between the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline and its political context in the South Caucasus, with particular reference to the frozen conflict over Nagorno Karabakh. It examines a range of conflict actors and assesses the dual potential of the pipeline for conflict reduction or escalation, as well as the possible impact of the changing political status quo on the pipeline itself.
Peace through Profit: Sri Lankan Perspectives on Corporate Social Responsibility
This report investigates Sri Lankan perceptions of the role of business in society, and businesses’ own perception of this role, including its potential in supporting social, economic and political development. It also explores whether Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), as presently understood by businesses and the wider community, can be a useful entry point for Sri Lanka’s private sector to contribute to peace.
This report investigates Sri Lankan perceptions of the role of business in society, and businesses's; own perception of this role, including its potential in supporting social, economic and political development. It also explores whether Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), as presently understood by businesses and the wider community, can be a useful entry point for Sri Lanka's private sector to contribute to peace.
International Companies and Post-Conflict Reconstruction
The role of international companies in post-conflict reconstruction is an essential complement to the work of international aid agencies. However, if policy-makers are to secure the maximum benefits from private investment, they need to understand how different companies and sectors view opportunity and risk, and find ways to assess their overall impact in post-conflict settings.
In development circles, the debate about the role of business in conflict-affected regions has tended to focus on petroleum and mining. This paper begins with a review of the extractive industries, but then broadens the discussion to discuss three other sectors: mobile phones, construction and commercial banks. It cites examples from Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq, Somalia, Sierra Leone and Timor- Leste.
Changing Fortunes
The five years of relative peace in Northern Uganda has enabled the majority of former Internally Displaced Persons to return to their home areas and begin rebuilding their lives. During and after the long war in Northern Uganda, women have emerged as critical economic actors, taking advantage of economic opportunities to secure their families’ livelihood, security and advancement.
This report explores dynamics in the peace economy in northern Uganda, with a focus on women’s economic and political status, and the extent to which government and development partner recovery interventions are sensitive to these issues.
Conflict and Project Finance
Until now the financial sector has had limited involvement in international debates on business and conflict. This background paper seeks to stimulate greater consideration of conflict risk and a more constructive path for project finance backed investments in conflict-prone regions.
The connections between conflict and project finance, and how financial institutions may adopt a ‘conflict-sensitive’ approach to finance by improving their understanding of the two-way relationship between projects and violent conflict.
The Current State of Diamond Mining in the Mano River Basin and the Use of Diamonds as a Tool for Peacebuilding and Development
Based on a series of visits to working diamond mines, interviews with diggers, mine owners, traders, exporters, government officials and NGOs, the report describes the current state of the diamond industry in West Africa, providing both an overview of the sub-region and detailed analysis of each country.
This report describes the current state of the diamond industry in West Africa and possible ways of using diamonds as a tool for development, rather than a fuel for conflict.
Contact Us
International Alert, 346 Clapham Road
LONDON, SW9 9AP, United Kingdom
Tel +44 (0) 20 7627 6800
Fax +44 (0) 20 7627 6900
