Civil Conflict and Development

Catalog description

One of the central challenges in post-conflict reconstruction is rebuilding a viable economy. This course examines the economic after-effects of civil wars and how states and international organizations have responded to the challenge of rebuilding post-conflict economies. Students will appraise the possible tradeoffs that exist in forming a government that can protect property rights, reconstituting a viable economy, and promoting peace. In evaluating the role of international actors (through foreign aid and the role of the IMF and World Bank), our aim is to develop and propose more optimal policies that mitigate these tradeoffs. This course may be offered in traditional or online formats.