Evidence Brief: Conflict and Polarization

Intergroup conflicts are among the most formidable obstacles to economic development, but economic interventions can be promising approaches to mitigating polarization and conflict.

Key Points: 

• Intergroup conflict are among the most formidable obstacles to economic development, and the problem is getting worse. Sectarian warfare, including internal fighting and armed clashes with foreign state intervention have been rising over the past two decades, according to the Uppsala Conflict Data Program.
• Promising approaches to mitigating polarization and conflict include economic interventions, like providing financial assets that empower individuals, raising their financial understanding so that they can better assess the benefits of peace, and facilitating opportunities for otherwise antagonistic groups to cooperate for mutual financial gain.