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External Debt in Post-Conflict Countries

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  • Alvarez-Plata, Patricia
  • Brück, Tilman

Abstract

Summary In the development literature, there exists no systematic study of external borrowing in post-conflict countries. We address this gap by analyzing statistical and case study evidence from three African countries. We find that many war-affected countries face rising debt arrears and deteriorating relations with creditors. Rebuilding trust between lenders and borrowers is hence a crucial but often slow process. Furthermore, donors to war-affected African countries have been slow to grant exceptional debt relief based on odious debt or on financial requirements. Debt relief for post-conflict reconstruction should embrace a more forward looking and more generous conditionality.

Suggested Citation

  • Alvarez-Plata, Patricia & Brück, Tilman, 2008. "External Debt in Post-Conflict Countries," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 36(3), pages 485-504, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:36:y:2008:i:3:p:485-504
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    1. Samir Abdelhafidh, 2020. "Does the external debt composition matter for economic growth in Tunisia?," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 40(4), pages 2802-2818.

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    JEL classification:

    • C22 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Time-Series Models; Dynamic Quantile Regressions; Dynamic Treatment Effect Models; Diffusion Processes

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