TAS Introduction
The globalization of weakly-governed markets for natural resources, coupled with the decline and occasional misuse of development assistance, and with aggressive promotion of unbalanced trade and macroeconomic management rules, lead to conflict in a number of ways. This volatile mix can drive economic degradation, fuel tensions within and among countries, create a space for sub-state actors to enrich themselves through the perpetuation of conflict, and strain international and national mechanisms for keeping the peace.
Security is an essential precondition for sustainable development. Without security, social institutions cannot function, people cannot plan for the future and businesses cannot safely invest.
It is increasingly clear that the rising tide of international trade in natural resources does not automatically reinforce stability or security. Nor is aid as currently constructed successfully achieving its aim of poverty alleviation. Our contention here is that a lack of progress on both fronts reflects an inadequate appreciation of the links between these policy spheres.
Where to read more…
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Commonwealth Ministers Reference Book, 2007 - Trade, Aid and Security: an agenda for peace and development (PDF - 154 kb) » Oli Brown, May 2007 In this article for the Commonwealth Ministers Reference Book (CMRB), IISD project manager Oli Brown explores the links among trade, aid and conflict. The CMRB is the flagship annual publication of the Commonwealth Secretariat and is distributed to every government minister in the 53 countries of the Commonwealth. Previous authors for the CMRB include Professors Joseph Stiglitz and Jeffrey Sachs, and U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair.
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6 Key Objectives
A series of six policy briefs that explain where international policy-makers should focus their attention if trade and aid policies are to support peace and security rather than increasing the likelihood and longevity of violent conflict. -
Trade, Aid and Security: Elements of a Positive Paradigm (PDF - 460 kb) » Mark Halle, Jason Switzer, Sebastian Winkler, 2004 An overview of the links between trade in natural resources, aid and conflict. Unstable aid flows, illicit trade of natural resources in exchange for arms, and unacknowledged costs of adapting to the international trade regime are together fuelling instability and insecurity. Achieving sustainable development requires refocusing these regimes to support human security.
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Trade, Aid and Security: Introduction, Background and Conceptual Framework (PDF - 187 kb) » Duncan Brack, 2004 Trade policy and aid policy can be designed to reduce such natural resource-related conflict and improve post-conflict recovery. Conversely, if misused, trade and aid policy can undermine security and contribute to violence.
For more information please contact: Oli Brown or Sebastian Winkler.
Key Publication
From Conflict to Peacebuilding: the role of natural resources and the environment
» Richard Matthew, Oli Brown, David Jensen, UNEP, 2009This major report, co-authored by IISD and UNEP, discusses the key linkages between environment, conflict and peacebuilding, and provides recommendations on how these can be addressed more effectively by the international community. More...
Our Knowledge
» Themes
- Adaptation and Risk Reduction
- Climate Change and Energy
- Economics and SD
- Foreign Investment for SD
- Governance for Sustainable Development
- Internet and Technology
- International Trade
- Measurement and Assessment
- Natural Resources
- Networks & Partnerships
- Security
- Sustainable Markets
- Tomorrow's SD Leaders
» Initiatives
- Water Innovation Centre (WIC)
- The Sustainable Commodity Initiative (SCI)
- Global Subsidies Initiative (GSI)
