The Political Economy of Peace Processes

International aid to societies in conflict function based on some basic liberal assumptions that economic liberalism promotes peace. In theory, it should “inspire a transformation of state and societal interests away from war towards commerce and peace”. Functionalists believe that cooperation and coordination in this “low politics” arena would have a spill over effect that would eventually seep into “high politics”. Business elites could act as back channels to help facilitate peace as peace is good for business. This article poses a challenge to these orthodoxies and assumptions, and gives examples of how they can often help cement the status quo and prolong the conflict at hand.