This lecture will provide an up-to-date overview of recent research linking civil conflict, institutions and development. In the first part, the root causes of civil conflict will be discussed, focusing on the resource curse, ethnic diversity and poverty. In the second part, the main impact of civil conflict on social and human capital and on development will be studied. In the final part, it will be stressed that the right blend of institutions and public policies can substantially reduce the scope for conflict.

This lecture will provide an up-to-date overview of recent research linking civil conflict, institutions and development. In the first part, the root causes of civil conflict will be discussed, focusing on the resource curse, ethnic diversity and poverty. In the second part, the main impact of civil conflict on social and human capital and on development will be studied. In the final part, it will be stressed that the right blend of institutions and public policies can substantially reduce the scope for conflict.