Exploring the Link between Unemployment and Conflict in Fragile States. The case of Dutch initiatives Identifying group travel behavior using smart card data to promote stability through job creation

Keywords
No Thumbnail Available
Issue Date
2015-08-14
Language
en
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Increasingly, international attention is paid to the role of unemployment as a driver of instability and conflict in fragile states. With rising (youth) unemployment rates it is important to understand how unemployment might contribute to conflict and how job creation, in turn, could promote stability. This thesis identifies four mechanisms that link unemployment to instability and conflict: it lowers the costs of rebellion; it may lead to feelings of frustration; it breaks down social cohesion; and it undermines the legitimacy of the state. Both research and policy have to be better grounded in these mechanisms, as especially the latter two are not well-known. A systematic review shows that evidence on the link between unemployment and conflict is limited and the connection far from straightforward. This indicates that more research needs to be done. A case study of Dutch initiatives for job creation in fragile states shows an increasing policy focus on private sector development. The Dutch private sector, however, is often not at the table with other actors (e.g. government, military and NGOs). This study suggests that to engage the private sector more, the risks of doing business in fragile states need to be lowered further. While this is still a bridge too far for some fragile states, actors can optimize job creation where it is feasible. When it is too dangerous for other actors, the military needs to improve the security situation and provide skill trainings. Donor governments and embassies can then facilitate the private sector by improving the business climate, providing loans, identifying opportunities and providing information. Providing local context and skills training, promoting conflict sensitivity, and lobbying for a better business climate can be done by NGOs. The private sector itself can create more jobs through local sourcing and internships, and larger companies can additionally advocate a better business climate. Keywords: unemployment, conflict, instability, job creation, private sector development
Description
Citation
Supervisor
Faculty
Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen