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COVID-19 and Conflict

Author

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  • Jeffrey R. Bloem

    (Department of Applied Economics, University of Minnesota)

  • Colette Salemi

    (Department of Applied Economics, University of Minnesota)

Abstract

What does the threat of and the policy response to COVID-19 mean for inter-group conflict worldwide? In this study, we examine time series trends for different types ofinter-group conflict and evaluate discernible changes taking place as global awareness of COVID-19 spread. At the country level, we examine changes in trends following policy responses, such as lockdowns, curfews, or ceasefires. We specifically examine violent conflict events (e.g., battles, remote violence and bombings, and violence against civilians) as well as civil demonstrations (e.g., protests and riots) using data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED) project. Our main contribution comes from our examination of heterogeneity in trends.Although in many cases a downward trend in inter-group conflict seems to be associated with COVID-19 policy responses, there are critical exceptions to this general result.

Suggested Citation

  • Jeffrey R. Bloem & Colette Salemi, 2020. "COVID-19 and Conflict," HiCN Working Papers 332, Households in Conflict Network.
    • Handle: RePEc:hic:wpaper:332
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Berman, Nicolas & Couttenier, Mathieu & Monnet, Nathalie & Ticku, Rohit, 2022. "Shutdown policies and conflict worldwide," Journal of Comparative Economics, Elsevier, vol. 50(1), pages 240-255.
    2. Peter A.G. van Bergeijk, 2021. "Pandemic Economics," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 20401.
    3. Lackner, Mario & Sunde, Uwe & Winter-Ebmer, Rudolf, 2021. "Covid-19 and the Forces Behind Social Unrest," IHS Working Paper Series 37, Institute for Advanced Studies.
    4. Basedau, Matthias & Deitch, Mora, 2021. "One year after: Has the COVID-19 pandemic increased violence in sub-Saharan Africa?," GIGA Working Papers 327, GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies.
    5. Abay, Kibrom A. & Tafere, Kibrom & Berhane, Guush & Chamberlin, Jordan & Abay, Mehari H., 2023. "Near-real-time welfare and livelihood impacts of an active war: Evidence from Ethiopia," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 119(C).
    6. Trudeau, Jessie, 2022. "Limiting aggressive policing can reduce police and civilian violence," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 160(C).
    7. Hangoma, Peter & Hachhethu, Kusum & Passeri, Silvia & Norheim, Ole Frithjof & Rivers, Johnathan & Mæstad, Ottar, 2024. "Short- and long-term food insecurity and policy responses in pandemics: Panel data evidence from COVID-19 in low- and middle-income countries," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 175(C).
    8. Hellmeier, Sebastian & Cole, Rowan & Grahn, Sandra & Kolvani, Palina & Lachapelle, Jean & Lührmann, Anna & Maerz, Seraphine F. & Pillai, Shreeya & Lindberg, Staffan I., 2021. "State of the world 2020: autocratization turns viral," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 28(6), pages 1053-1074.

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