Global Linkages, Vulnerable Economies and the Outbreak of Conflict

Economically vulnerable countries appear to be prone to armed conflicts which exacerbate poverty and make sustainable economic development difficult. Changes in the world economy seem to have considerable effects on the outbreaks of such conflicts. Valpy FitzGerald looks at the effects of the globalization process – trade liberalization, commodity price trends and capital mobility – and the process of international development co-operation – aid programmes, debt overhang and adjustment policies – on armed conflicts. He argues that the economic uncertainty, weakened states and wealth dispersion which arise from international economic integration may exacerbate the insecurity and resentment which lie at the root of armed conflicts. He suggests that international economic action might reduce the likelihood of armed conflict in the more vulnerable of least-developed countries, even if it is not possible to identify in advance where conflict is most likely to break out. Development (1999) 42, 57–64. doi:10.1057/palgrave.development.1110061