The Political Economy of Armed Conflict Training Course

The Political Economy of Armed Conflict Training Course

Introduction

The Political Economy of Armed Conflict Training Course provides a critical and in-depth understanding of the complex interplay between economic factors and violent conflicts. It goes beyond traditional security-focused analyses to explore how the pursuit of economic gains, control over natural resources, and the dynamics of illicit trade and corruption can fuel, sustain, and even end armed conflict. Participants will learn to analyze the incentives and disincentives that drive different actors from state institutions and armed groups to private businesses and local communities to engage in or abstain from violence. This course is essential for anyone seeking to develop effective and sustainable conflict resolution and peacebuilding strategies.

This training leverages cutting-edge research and empirical case studies to demonstrate how economic structures shape conflict dynamics. By examining the concepts of "greed vs. grievance," "resource curse," and "war economies," the course offers a powerful analytical framework for diagnosing the root causes of conflict and designing politically informed interventions. It equips participants with the practical skills to conduct Political Economy Analysis (PEA), enabling them to identify spoilers and peace constituencies and to craft conflict-sensitive and equitable economic recovery programs. Ultimately, the course aims to empower professionals to move beyond generic development approaches and contribute to a more profound and lasting peace.

Course Duration

5 days

Course Objectives

1. Analyze the core analytical frameworks of the political economy of conflict.
2. Deconstruct the "greed vs. grievance" debate in contemporary armed conflicts.
3. Evaluate the role of the resource curse and natural resource management in fueling civil wars.
4. Examine the structure and dynamics of war economies and illicit financial flows.
5. Assess the impact of corruption and rent-seeking behavior on state fragility and conflict.
6. Identify the key economic drivers of violence and insurgency.
7. Conduct a comprehensive Political Economy Analysis (PEA) in a conflict-affected setting.
8. Recognize the role of private sector actors and businesses in conflict dynamics.
9. Develop conflict-sensitive programming and peacebuilding strategies.
10. Evaluate the challenges of transitioning from a war economy to a peace economy.
11. Design interventions that promote equitable development and inclusive economic recovery.
12. Understand the link between food insecurity, climate change, and armed conflict.
13. Explore the impact of global economic trends on local conflict dynamics.

Organizational Benefits

• Your team will gain a sophisticated understanding of complex conflict environments, leading to more accurate risk assessments and strategic decision-making.
• Staff will be able to design and implement programs that are more likely to achieve their goals by addressing the underlying economic drivers of conflict.
• By identifying potential spoilers and unintended consequences, organizations can mitigate risks and ensure their interventions do not inadvertently fuel violence.
• Demonstrating a deep grasp of political economy and conflict sensitivity strengthens proposals and builds credibility with international donors.
• The training promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, bridging the gap between security, development, and humanitarian sectors.
• The focus on inclusive economic recovery and equitable development ensures that peacebuilding efforts are durable and benefit local communities.

Target Audience

1. Peacebuilding Practitioners and Program Managers
2. Development Professionals and Aid Workers
3. Humanitarian Actors and Field Staff
4. Policymakers and Government Officials
5. Researchers and Academic Scholars
6. Diplomats and International Relations Specialists
7. Military and Security Personnel
8. Corporate Social Responsibility and Private Sector Professionals

Course Outline

Module 1: Foundations of Political Economy of Armed Conflict

• Defining the core concepts: Political Economy Analysis (PEA), Greed vs. Grievance.
• Historical overview of economic theories of conflict.
• The role of state institutions, governance, and corruption.
• Mapping key actors and their economic interests.
• Case Study: The diamond trade and civil war in Sierra Leone.

Module 2: Natural Resources and Conflict

• Understanding the resource curse and its link to political violence.
• Analysis of oil, mineral, and timber conflicts.
• Strategies for effective and equitable natural resource management.
• The role of transnational corporations and foreign powers.
• Case Study: Oil and conflict in the Niger Delta, Nigeria.

Module 3: War Economies and Illicit Financial Flows

• The structure and functions of war economies.
• Financing conflict: taxation, extortion, and smuggling.
• The role of illicit trade in drugs, arms, and human trafficking.
• The connection between organized crime and armed groups.
• Case Study: The opium economy and the conflict in Afghanistan.

Module 4: Post-Conflict Economic Recovery

• Challenges of transitioning from a war economy to a peace economy.
• Disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) of combatants.
• Designing programs for job creation and livelihood diversification.
• Addressing issues of land rights, property restitution, and economic justice.
• Case Study: Post-genocide economic recovery in Rwanda.

Module 5: Conflict-Sensitive Economic Programming

• The "do no harm" principle in development and humanitarian aid.
• Conducting conflict analysis for economic interventions.
• Integrating political economy insights into program design.
• Monitoring and evaluating the conflict impact of development projects.
• Case Study: Microfinance and its potential for both peace and conflict in a fragile state.

Module 6: External Actors and the Global Economy

• The impact of international aid, sanctions, and foreign investment.
• The role of international financial institutions (IMF, World Bank).
• Global supply chains and their connection to local conflicts.
• How diaspora communities and remittances affect conflict.
• Case Study: The role of external powers in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Module 7: The Future of Conflict: Emerging Trends

• The nexus between climate change, food scarcity, and conflict.
• The rise of digital and cyber warfare and their economic dimensions.
• Analysis of urban conflicts and the political economy of megacities.
• The role of new technologies in conflict financing and prevention.
• Case Study: Climate-induced displacement and pastoralist-farmer conflicts in the Sahel.

Module 8: Practical Application: Political Economy Analysis Workshop

• A step-by-step guide to conducting Political Economy Analysis (PEA).
• Interactive group exercises on real-world conflict scenarios.
• Developing a PEA report and strategic recommendations.
• How to present findings to policymakers and stakeholders.
• Case Study: A comprehensive PEA of a contemporary conflict (e.g., Sudan or Haiti).

Training Methodology

This course employs a participatory and hands-on approach to ensure practical learning, including:

• Interactive lectures and presentations.
• Group discussions and brainstorming sessions.
• Hands-on exercises using real-world datasets.
• Role-playing and scenario-based simulations.
• Analysis of case studies to bridge theory and practice.
• Peer-to-peer learning and networking.
• Expert-led Q&A sessions.
• Continuous feedback and personalized guidance.

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.