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Conflict Intensity and Entrepreneurial Intentions: Evidence from Iraqi Regions

Author

Listed:
  • Hassan F. Gholipour
  • Georges Harb
  • Mohammad Reza Farzanegan

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between conflict events, conflict-related fatalities, and entrepreneurial intentions in Iraq, one of the most war-affected countries over the past four decades and a context largely overlooked in the entrepreneurship literature. By combining regional-level data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED) with individual-level data from the World Values Survey (WVS), we find that, controlling for other factors, entrepreneurial intentions are significantly lower in regions experiencing higher levels of conflicts and fatalities. This finding is robust across multiple estimation methods and model specifications. Furthermore, our results indicate that financially stable individuals show a sharper decline in entrepreneurial intentions in response to conflicts compared to financially vulnerable individuals.

Suggested Citation

  • Hassan F. Gholipour & Georges Harb & Mohammad Reza Farzanegan, 2026. "Conflict Intensity and Entrepreneurial Intentions: Evidence from Iraqi Regions," CESifo Working Paper Series 12507, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_12507
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • O53 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Asia including Middle East

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