In between, the absolute effects of natural resource rents and the growth of economic opportunities decline somewhat, but less rapidly than the two induced grievance effects. This suggests that as the post-conflict peace is sustained, the policy agenda should shift from managing induced grievances to the underlying problems of ethnic dominance and poverty. Secondly, once priorities are established, it is possible to reduce the largest risks. Both post-conflict governments and the international community have scope for a range of actions. Natural resource dependence can be reduced in the medium term and the rents managed more transparently in the short term.
International action can reduce access by rebels to commodity markets.
Economic opportunities can be improved both by appropriate government economic policies and by donor aid programs. Ethnic dominance can be made less alarming for minorities by constitutional safeguards and by guarantees by the international community. Because the risks of conflict renewal are highest in the early post-conflict years, there is a role for temporary intervention by the international community, both military and financial, to invest in subsequently sustainable peace. Finally, because diasporas so drastically increase the risk of conflict, post-conflict governments should focus on persuading their diasporas of the benefits of peace, while the international community should police diaspora organizations to prevent them from funding renewed rebellion. Civil war is obviously a terrible experience.