The Missing Peace: Grassroots Businesses, Peace, and Prosperity

• In Event: Political Economy of Conflict

Abstract

War and violence are inherently destructive. A major challenge in post-conflict countries is the lack of resources necessary to rebuild, as conflict-prone states tend to have lower GDPs and struggle with corruption and the management of those resources. The private sector, and especially larger firms, is able to help contribute to the rebuilding process in supplementing these resources. In additional, firms can engage in training programs and adopt hiring practices that help to rebuild life chances and make violence less attractive. While evidence suggests that countries with a private sector that promotes peacebuilding are less likely to experience civil wars (Melin 2021), it is unclear how the private sector affects local level peace and violence. While investment and a strong economy can create employment opportunities, we argue it is how daily interactions evolve that enable successful economic reintegration and post-conflict peacebuilding.

We argue small, local businesses and local non-profit organizations play a significant role in building stronger national institutions and promoting peaceful political dialogue. Using original data of ex-combatant employment and businesses, I examine how small entrepreneurs begin a process that helps to transform economies, societies, and political processes.

Author

• Molly M. Melin, Loyola University Chicago