F1IS 4145 - Economics of Conflict (Lecture)

Why do we fight (or not)? The course covers the economics of conflict, focusing on the causes and consequences of conflict from an economic perspective. Lecturers will present theoretical and empirical recent advances from the economics and political sciences literature. After illustrating the various reasons why we should care about conflict, we will conduct a thorough analysis of the causes of conflicts, drawing on the dense academic literature on the subject. Different causes will be studied, such as the role of income and price variations, of inequalities, and of the presence of natural resources, among others. Next, we will examine conflict dynamics across various dimensions: from individuals, groups, communities to the state in the context of a warming and more fragmented world. Throughout the course, we will discuss solutions that can be provided by countries, international organizations, or even private actors.

Learning Outlines:
1. Develop proficiency in logical and structured problem analysis, specifically tailored to understanding the complex dynamics inherent in conflicts.
2. Demonstrate advanced skills in critically assessing and analyzing real-world issues pertaining to the economics of conflict, integrating economic principles with broader socio-political contexts.
3. Acquire proficiency in reading and interpreting econometric tables, enabling the application of economic theory to analyze conflict-related data and understand underlying mechanisms.
4. Gain a profound understanding of the intricate interplay between economics and politics, elucidating how economic factors influence political decisions and vice versa within the context of conflicts. ability for logical and structured problem analysis.

Learning Outlines:
1. Cultivate the ability to methodically structure thoughts using economic reasoning and mechanisms, facilitating insightful analysis and problem-solving in conflict-related scenarios.
2. Develop adeptness in critically analyzing economic articles, discerning key arguments, evaluating evidence, and synthesizing diverse perspectives to inform well-rounded perspectives on conflicts.
3. Strengthen argumentation skills through rigorous engagement with economic theories, empirical evidence, and multidisciplinary perspectives, enabling articulate and compelling advocacy in discussions and debates surrounding conflicts.

Jean-françois MAYSTADT,Alexandre VERLET,Mathieu COUTTENIER
Cours magistral seul
English
- In Class Presence: 4 hours a week (over 6 weeks) / 24 hours a semester
- Reading and Preparation for Class: 6 hours a week / 36 hours a semester
- Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 4 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
Some basic knowledge of statistics and applied econometrics would be helpful. Lecturers will provide an intuitive refresher of basic applied econometrics applied to conflict literature. Students should be able to interpret a table of results or some graphical representations.
Autumn 2024-2025
The course will be assessed through two assignments:
The first will be a research proposal (3 pages) based on the content covered in class (60%). The objective will be to develop a research question and provide a research protocol to address it.
The second will be an in-class assignment focusing solely on the course material (40%).
A Zoom session will be organized during which students who have registered beforehand will have the opportunity to receive feedback on their research proposal.
Blattman, Chris and Edward Miguel (2010) Civil War, Journal of Economic Literature 48(1): 3-57.
Dube, Oeindrila and Juan Vargas (2013) Commodity price Shocks and Civil Conflict: Evidence from Colombia. Review of Economic Studies 80(4): 1384-1421
Hsiang, Solomon, Marshal Burke and Edward Miguel (2013) Quantifying the Influence of Climate on Human Conflict Science. 342(6151), 1235367
Miguel, Edward, Shanker Satyanath and Ernest Sergenti (2004) Economic Shocks and Civil Conflict: An Instrumental Variables Approach. Journal of Political Economy 112: 725-753.
Collier, Paul, and Anke Hoeffler (2004) Greed and Grievance in Civil War. Oxford Economic Papers 56(4): 563–95.
Ray, D. and J.-M. Esteban (2017). Conflict and Development. Annual Review of Economics 9, 263–293.
Berman, N. and M. Couttenier (2015). External shocks, internal shots: The geography of civil conflicts. Review of Economics and Statistics 97(4), 758–776.
Berman, N., M. Couttenier, and V. Girard (2023). Mineral resources and the salience of ethnic identities. Economic Journal 133, 1705–1736.
Berman, N., M. Couttenier, D. Rohner, and M. Thoenig (2017). The Mine is Mine! How minerals fuel conflicts in Africa. American Economic Review 107(6).
McGuirk, E. and M. Burke (2020a). The economic origins of conflict in Africa. Journal of Political Economy 128(10), 3940–3997.
Maystadt J-F and O Ecker (2014) Extreme Weather and Civil War: Does Drought Fuel Conflict in Somalia through Livestock Price Shocks? American Journal of Agricultural Economics 96(4): 1157-1182.
Maystadt Jean-Francois, Giacomo De Luca, Petros Sekeris and John Ulimwengu (2014) Mineral resources and conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A case of Ecological Fallacy.Oxford Economic Papers. 66: 721-749.
Mach, Kraan, Adger, Buhaug, Burke, Fearon, Field, Hendrix, Maystadt, O'Loughin et al. 2019. Climate as a risk factor for armed conflict. Nature 571: 193-197
Maystadt and Verwimp. 2014. Winners and Losers Among a Refugee-Hosting Population. Economic Development and Cultural Change 62(4): 769-809.
Maystadt, Hirvonen, Mabiso, and Vandercasteelen. 2019. Impacts of Hosting Forced Migrants in Poor Countries. Annual Review of Resource Economics 11: 439-459 .