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Conflicts in Spatial Networks

Author

Listed:
  • Zenou, Yves
  • Amarasinghe, Ashani
  • Raschky, Paul
  • Zhou, Junjie
Abstract
We develop a network model of conflict in which players are involved in different battles. A negative shock in one locality affects the conflict in this locality but may also increase battles in path-connected localities depending on the location of the battle in the network and the strength of each locality involved in each battle. We then empirically test this model by analyzing the effect of local natural disasters on battles in Africa. We construct a novel panel-dataset that combines geo-referenced information about battle events and natural disasters at the monthly level for 5,944 districts in 53 African countries over the period from 1989 to 2015. At this fine temporal and spatial resolution, natural disasters are formidable exogenous shocks that affect the costs and benefits of fighting in a locality. We find that natural disasters decrease battle incidence in the affected locality and that this effect persists over time and space. This mitigating effect appears to be more pronounced in more developed localities. As highlighted by the model, these results can be explained by the fact that natural disasters divert fighting activity to surrounding localities, particularly those that are connected via geographic and road networks.

Suggested Citation

  • Zenou, Yves & Amarasinghe, Ashani & Raschky, Paul & Zhou, Junjie, 2020. "Conflicts in Spatial Networks," CEPR Discussion Papers 14300, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:14300
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    Cited by:

    1. Cai, Xinyue & Kimya, Mert, 2023. "Stability of alliance networks," Games and Economic Behavior, Elsevier, vol. 140(C), pages 401-409.
    2. Xu, Jin & Zenou, Yves & Zhou, Junjie, 2022. "Equilibrium characterization and shock propagation in conflict networks," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 206(C).
    3. Hodler, Roland & Schaudt, Paul & Vesperoni, Alberto, 2023. "Mining for peace," CEPR Discussion Papers 17807, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    4. Zenou, Yves & Bochet, Olivier & Faure, Mathieu & Long, Yan, 2020. "Perceived Competition in Networks," CEPR Discussion Papers 15582, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    5. Dominic Rohner & Mathias Thoenig, 2021. "The Elusive Peace Dividend of Development Policy: From War Traps to Macro Complementarities," Annual Review of Economics, Annual Reviews, vol. 13(1), pages 111-131, August.
    6. Bochet, Olivier & Faure, Mathieu & Long, Yan & Zenou, Yves, 2020. "Perceived Competition in Networks," CEPR Discussion Papers 15582, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Natural disasters; Battle; Africa; Spillovers;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D85 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Network Formation
    • O55 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Africa

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