ABSTRACT
In broadening the volume’s understanding of quality peace, this chapter emphasizes the challenges of applying the principles of economics and governance in post-conflict societies. While acknowledging the impact of harmful business practices on communities, the author argues that in order to prevent the costly resurgence of repeating cycles of conflict, meaningful economic activity is necessary to provide both the poorest and richest members of society with a stake in peace. The chapter has three main objectives: first, to introduce a set of insights on the impact of business in post-conflict societies; second, to lay out a series of case studies on that impact utilizing an economic framework; and finally, to conclude with reflections on what might be the possibilities in harnessing the energy of business toward quality peace. The research for this chapter was based on a unique partnership among faculty and students from the University of Notre Dame, international staff of humanitarian organizations, and multinational corporations, called Business on the Frontlines. Drawn from nearly 30 Business on the Frontlines business and peace-related projects over the last 8 years, the author demonstrates that wealth creation remains the key to breaking the cycle of conflict, and business remains the key to wealth creation. To illustrate the challenges for business in post-conflict societies, the author studies the problem of risk through a case study from Mindanao in the Philippines, a lack of trust among parties in Rwanda, and a case from Uganda involving water that illustrates how innovation brings together unlikely partners. The author also addresses concerns regarding the negative impact of business, using case studies from Bosnia and Lebanon. The challenge remains for practitioners of how to build more businesses, while limiting their potential negative influence, in post-conflict societies.
