The causes of conflict are manifold, and attempts to point to one determining factor are generally not successful. We have, however, in recent years seen the emergence of certain trends and empirical research suggesting strong linkages between scarcity, inequality and institutional weaknesses in societies and their ability to ensure peace and security. Most of the world's 20 poorest countries have experienced significant violent conflict in the past decades and the vast majority of current conflicts are located in the developing world.
Conflict is, most simply, a failure of development.
Furthermore, conflict reverses development gains and can set a country back decades. International policymakers are increasingly cognisant of the role that development actors can and must play in conflict-prone environments. While humanitarian and military interventions focus on meeting basic, emergency needs of affected populations and on bringing an end to deadly violence, development interventions are longer-term and focus on addressing the root causes of conflict, eradicating poverty, transforming social capital and building the capacity of societies to manage their tensions in a peaceful and constructive manner. Development actors are increasingly deciding to remain present even during active conflict, particularly in situations of protracted, low-intensity violence, where development needs can still be met. Similarly, development actors are engaging in the immediate aftermath of a crisis to liaise with humanitarian actors to facilitate the transition from relief to long-term stability.