Interventions and aid in post-conflict countries

Non-military international intervention as a tool for preventing civil conflict

What are the most effective strategies for successful peacekeeping following civil wars? To date, research has focused mainly on using the threat of military intervention to prevent further violence. In this study, though, the researchers look at the effectiveness of softer interventions that provide economic, political, and legal support only if the former combatants comply with peace settlements. They find that these softer approaches are associated with less risk of further violence, regardless of whether there was also a threat of military intervention. This research highlights the peacebuilding potential of conditional aid.

The limited effect of development aid on democratization

Development aid is often used to encourage democratization in post-conflict countries. This research argues that development aid creates a dilemma for the elites in the recipient country: On the one hand, they want access to the development aid, but on the other hand they don’t want to risk losing power in an election. This evidence shows that elites respond to this dilemma by enacting reforms in the policy area on which donors place the most value – election quality – while simultaneously maximizing their chances of electoral victory by limiting rule of law and doling out patronage to politically important groups. This research illustrates how development aid can be a crucial tool in promoting democratization, but also warns that ruling elites may try to limit the democratization to protect their influence.

Do you have a study we should share for a future Facty Friday? Send an email to drg.el@usaid.gov!