Wealth Divides: Socio-Economic Barriers & Civil Conflict In Landlocked African Countries

• In Event: Poster Session: New Perspectives in Political Science Research: Scholarship by Vanderbilt REU Students

Abstract

Unstable socio-economic conditions can influence a society’s political climate and contribute to increased civil strife. Scholars have found that in countries with greater socio-economic disparities, there is an increased likelihood and intensity of civil conflict. However, more research is needed to learn what exacerbates the intensity of conflict. This project explores the link between socio-economic barriers and civil conflict intensity, examining it within the context of the prevailing 'greed vs. grievance' debate. I argue that socio-economic barriers will lead to an increased likelihood of civil conflict intensity because a substantial portion of the population lacks access to and proper management of resources, resulting in horizontal inequalities. Regression analysis of time-series cross-sectional data from 2005-2021 in landlocked developing African countries suggests that as socio-economic barriers increase, the intensity of civic conflict does as well. Considering this relationship enhances the ability to predict the intensity of civil conflict.

Author

• Leah Grace Peterson, Howard University