6 Key Objectives

Since 2000, the Trade, Aid and Security initiative has focused on the way in which trade in natural resources can contribute to violent conflict at the sub-state and international level, and on the role of foreign aid and trade liberalization—in tandem or in isolation—in accelerating or alleviating this downward spiral.

If trade and aid policy is to support peace and security rather than increasing the likelihood and longevity of violent conflict, we believe policy-makers should focus their attention and efforts on six key objectives. The following six briefs (i) explain why each objective is critical to security between and within states; (ii) assess current initiatives that attempt to realize that objective; and (iii) make recommendations for future action.

  1. Designing conflict-sensitive trade policy (PDF - 614 kb)
  2. Developing conflict-sensitive aid (PDF - 606 kb)
  3. Promoting 'good' governance (PDF - 645 kb)
  4. Restricting trade in conflict resources (PDF - 689 kb)
  5. Promoting conflict-sensitive business (PDF - 550 kb)
  6. Managing revenues from natural resources and aid (PDF - 599 kb)