Can War Foster Cooperation?

Michal Bauer, Christopher Blattman, Julie Chytilová (), Joseph Henrich (), Edward Miguel and Tamar Mitts ()
Additional contact information
Joseph Henrich: Harvard University
Tamar Mitts: Columbia University

No 9997, IZA Discussion Papers from Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)

Abstract: In the past decade, nearly 20 studies have found a strong, persistent pattern in surveys and behavioral experiments from over 40 countries: individual exposure to war violence tends to increase social cooperation at the local level, including community participation and prosocial behavior. Thus while war has many negative legacies for individuals and societies, it appears to leave a positive legacy in terms of local cooperation and civic engagement. We discuss, synthesize and reanalyze the emerging body of evidence, and weigh alternative explanations. There is some indication that war violence especially enhances in-group or "parochial" norms and preferences, a finding that, if true, suggests that the rising social cohesion we document need not promote broader peace.

Keywords: war; cooperation; social preferences; post-conflict development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C80 D74 H56 O10 O12 O40 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 47 pages
Date: 2016-06
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-evo, nep-exp and nep-soc
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (230)

Forthcoming - published in: Journal of Economic Perspectives, 2016, 30(3), 249-74

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Related works:
Journal Article: Can War Foster Cooperation? (2016)
Working Paper: Can War Foster Cooperation? (2016)
Working Paper: Can War Foster Cooperation? (2016)
Working Paper: Can War Foster Cooperation? (2016)
Working Paper: Can War Foster Cooperation? (2016)
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