War and Underdevelopment

Published in 2001 as his graduating Thesis from Oxford University, Greitens contribution within War and Underdevelopment examines the economic and social consequences of conflict. Specifically the experiences of children during conflict.

Wars, especially civil wars, are among the most serious causes of human suffering and underdevelopment. Yet economic analysis of developing countries at war is relatively rare. These volumes aim to reverse this neglect, tracing the economic and social consequences of conflict both theoretically and through empirical investigations, including seven country case studies. A major objective is to identify policies which may reduce the heavy human and economic costs.

In Chapter 6, Eric Greitens examines the experience of children during conflict, and the measures taken to enable them to survive not only the physical but the psychological effects of war. He argues that "relief policies that seek to address children's needs must be designed with the abilities and strengths of children and their communities in mind."

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