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COVID-19 and Conflict

Author

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  • Jeffrey R. Bloem

    (Department of Applied Economics, University of Minnesota)

  • Colette Salemi

    (Department of Applied Economics, University of Minnesota)

Abstract

What does the threat of and the policy response to COVID-19 mean for inter-group conflict worldwide? In this study, we examine time series trends for different types ofinter-group conflict and evaluate discernible changes taking place as global awareness of COVID-19 spread. At the country level, we examine changes in trends following policy responses, such as lockdowns, curfews, or ceasefires. We specifically examine violent conflict events (e.g., battles, remote violence and bombings, and violence against civilians) as well as civil demonstrations (e.g., protests and riots) using data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED) project. Our main contribution comes from our examination of heterogeneity in trends.Although in many cases a downward trend in inter-group conflict seems to be associated with COVID-19 policy responses, there are critical exceptions to this general result.

Suggested Citation

  • Jeffrey R. Bloem & Colette Salemi, 2020. "COVID-19 and Conflict," HiCN Working Papers 332, Households in Conflict Network.
    • Handle: RePEc:hic:wpaper:332
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    Cited by:

    1. Basedau, Matthias & Deitch, Mora, 2021. "One year after: Has the COVID-19 pandemic increased violence in sub-Saharan Africa?," GIGA Working Papers 327, GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies.
    2. Berman, Nicolas & Couttenier, Mathieu & Monnet, Nathalie & Ticku, Rohit, 2022. "Shutdown policies and conflict worldwide," Journal of Comparative Economics, Elsevier, vol. 50(1), pages 240-255.
    3. Lackner, Mario & Sunde, Uwe & Winter-Ebmer, Rudolf, 2021. "COVID-19 and the Forces behind Social Unrest," IZA Discussion Papers 14884, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    4. Peter A.G. van Bergeijk, 2021. "Pandemic Economics," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 20401.
    5. Trudeau, Jessie, 2022. "Limiting aggressive policing can reduce police and civilian violence," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 160(C).
    6. Hellmeier, Sebastian & Cole, Rowan & Grahn, Sandra & Kolvani, Palina & Lachapelle, Jean & Lührmann, Anna & Maerz, Seraphine F. & Pillai, Shreeya & Lindberg, Staffan I., 2021. "State of the world 2020: autocratization turns viral," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 28(6), pages 1053-1074.

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