Peace is in the air: Reducing conflict intensity with United Nations peacekeeping radio broadcasts

Mahtab Shafiei and Kathryn Lauren Overton
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Mahtab Shafiei: 170161University of New Mexico College of Arts and Sciences, USA
Kathryn Lauren Overton: 170161University of New Mexico College of Arts and Sciences, USA

Conflict Management and Peace Science, 2024, vol. 41, issue 6, 693-714

Abstract: Commitment problems and information asymmetries represent key impediments to peacekeeping. We posit that mass media—more specifically, United Nations (UN) peacekeeping radio broadcasts—is a cost-effective, easily implemented method of addressing common roadblocks to conflict resolution. We analyze monthly battle-related deaths across 51 UN peacekeeping missions during the years 1992–2014. Using negative binomial models with two-way fixed effects, we find that peaceful UN radio broadcasts are associated with decreased conflict intensity. We argue that radio-based, mass communication is particularly effective owing to the socio-economic conditions within conflict zones; these properties include severe under-development and lack of access to modern technology.

Keywords: Battle deaths; conflict resolution; information asymmetries; mass media; radio media; United Nations peacekeeping (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:compsc:v:41:y:2024:i:6:p:693-714

DOI: 10.1177/07388942231216730

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