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Conflict and the identification of the Least Developed Countries: Theoretical and statistical considerations

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  • Ana Luiza Cortez
  • Namsuk Kim

Abstract

This paper reviews conflict as one of potential factors that could be incorporated in the identification of least developed countries (LDCs). It is not clear whether conflict can be considered as a structurally predetermined handicap as those identified in LDC criteria. More importantly, even if countries may be caught in a conflict trap, adding conflict indicators to the LDC criteria does not provide additional insights to enhance our understanding of the category . And adding conflict indicators is unlikely to introduce changes in country classification. Many of the factors associated with conflict are already incorporated in the indicators used to identify LDCs, and, therefore, the inclusion of an explicit conflict indicator ? to capture the risk of falling into conflict.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana Luiza Cortez & Namsuk Kim, 2012. "Conflict and the identification of the Least Developed Countries: Theoretical and statistical considerations," CDP Background Papers 013, United Nations, Department of Economics and Social Affairs.
    • Handle: RePEc:une:cpaper:013
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    File URL: http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/policy/cdp/cdp_background_papers/bp2012_13.pdf
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    Cited by:

    1. Kim, Namsuk & Sauter, Melanie, 2017. "Is conflict additional structural obstacle for Least Developed Countries?," International Journal of Development and Conflict, Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, vol. 7(1), pages 32-48.
    2. Jose Antonio Alonso & Ana Luiza Cortez & Stephan Klasen, 2014. "LDC and other country groupings: How useful are current approaches to classify countries in a more hetergeneous developing world?," CDP Background Papers 021, United Nations, Department of Economics and Social Affairs.
    3. Anna K Johnson & Joséphine Lechartre & Şehrazat G Mart & Mark D Robison & Caroline Hughes, 2023. "Peace scholarship and the local turn: Hierarchies in the production of knowledge about peace," Journal of Peace Research, Peace Research Institute Oslo, vol. 60(4), pages 675-690, July.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Conflict; Least Developed Countries; Country classification;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O19 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - International Linkages to Development; Role of International Organizations
    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
    • F35 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Foreign Aid

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