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Government Religious Preference and Intrastate Conflict

Author

Listed:
  • Eduard van der Merwe

    (Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa)

  • Carolyn Chisadza

    (Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa)

  • Matthew Clance

    (Department of Economics, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa)

Abstract

Understanding the causes and consequences of conflicts continues to be an important contribution to the economic development literature, particularly the mechanisms that can reduce civilian deaths. We contribute to understanding attacks on civilians and the spillover effects by analysing the impact of government religious preference on civilian deaths. Using panel data analysis for 113 countries for the period 1989 to 2015, wefind that a higher government preference towards religion causes more civilian deaths for countries experiencing intrastate conflict. Furthermore, we analyse this effect by the different types of conict and find that the results are driven by both state-based and non-state-based conflicts. Lastly, a regional analysis shows that the negative impact of a strong preference towards religion from the government is particularly notable for countries in Africa and Asia.

Suggested Citation

  • Eduard van der Merwe & Carolyn Chisadza & Matthew Clance, 2021. "Government Religious Preference and Intrastate Conflict," Working Papers 202124, University of Pretoria, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:pre:wpaper:202124
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C33 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • H56 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - National Security and War
    • O10 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - General
    • O55 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Africa

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