“Many studies show deep connections between economic development and peace. Almost every empirical study in the economic literature observes a direct correlation between low per capita income and the likelihood of armed conflict. The link between income and conflict risk has been described as “one of the most robust empirical relationships in the economic literature.” This finding holds constant across a wide range of countries and diverse social settings in studies conducted by hundreds of scholars. Regardless of the indicators used to measure development levels, the results are “almost entirely consistent in direction—growth, prosperity and development reduce the risk of civil war.”
Read excerpts below from David Cortright, Conor Seyle, and Kristen Wall, Governance for Peace: How
Inclusive, Participatory and Accountable Institutions Promote Peace and Prosperity
David Cortright 