Humanitarian Emergencies and Warlord Economies in Liberia and Sierra Leone

William Reno

No wp-1997-140, WIDER Working Paper Series from World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER)

Abstract: This paper explains correlations between humanitarian emergencies and political economies of 'failing states' in Liberia and Sierra Leone. In both, Cold War era rulers acquired personal power through their influence over economic exchange, irrespective of conventional public/private distinctions. The political shock of the end of the Cold War, coupled with the growing independence and invigoration of clandestine markets challenges this domination. This creates opportunities for enterprising rivals and regional strongmen to assert their own control.

Keywords: Failed states; Natural resources; Economic power; Social conflict; War (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 1997
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (10)

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