Why should mediators consider the economic dimensions of conflicts?

This paper summarises the case for greater consideration of the economic dimensions of conflicts in mediation processes – particularly those concerning natural resources. The author highlights the recent United Nations Environment Programme publication, From Conflict to Peace building – the Role of Natural Resources and the Environment as further evidence of the need for this inclusion. For instance the report finds that:

• 40 per cent of all intrastate conflicts since 1960 have a link to natural resources
• less than a quarter of peace agreements for conflicts with links to natural resources address the management and governance of natural resources
• intrastate conflicts linked to natural resources are twice as likely to relapse within five years.

The author then highlights a number of reasons why economic issues have been sidelined in the mediation process:

• mediators’ understandable focus on political and security-related issues
• a perception that economic issues are in any case best addressed after peace agreements
• the sensitivity of discussing the profit motives of parties directly and indirectly involved in the conflict.

The paper then details a number of recommendations to address economic issues. These include:

• avoiding vested interests when choosing the mediators themselves
• mapping the warring parties’ economic agendas and alliances
• not apportioning natural resources as spoils of war
• creating mechanisms to monitor economic issues post-agreement
• putting lootable natural resources out of reach.