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The Economics of Civilian Victimization: Evidence from World War II Italy

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  • Bertazzini, Mattia
  • Giorcelli, Michela

Abstract

This paper studies to what extent changes in economic incentives, and in particular a drop in soldiers’ accountability, affect violence against civilians. It uses evidence from the Italian Campaign during World War II (1943-1945). Exploiting movements of the front lines as plausibly exogenous shocks to soldiers’ accountability in a staggered difference-in-differences strategy, we find that: i) at front line activation, the probability of indiscriminate violence against civilians jumped 13 folds; ii) the effect was driven by a drop in accountability linked to a temporary break-down of the command chain; iii) crucially for policy, the effect is concentrated in proximity of less experienced units.

Suggested Citation

  • Bertazzini, Mattia & Giorcelli, Michela, 2025. "The Economics of Civilian Victimization: Evidence from World War II Italy," CEPR Discussion Papers 20392, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:20392
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    File URL: https://cepr.org/publications/DP20392
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
    • D90 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - General
    • N44 - Economic History - - Government, War, Law, International Relations, and Regulation - - - Europe: 1913-

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