Humanitarian Targeting

Africa, Aid, Analysis, Asia, Civilians At Risk, Conflict Monitoring, Current Hotspots, Focus On Militias, Middle East, Political Stability, Pro-Government Militias, Rioting And Protests, Unidentified Armed Groups, Vigilante Militias, Violence Against Civilians

In this infographic by ACLED Research Director, Dr. Roudabeh Kishi, we explore the question, “Where are humanitarian workers (aid workers, health workers, teachers) most at risk? (2017 – present).

Sources of Income and Political Conflict

Africa, Aid, Analysis, Civilians At Risk, Conflict Monitoring, Current Hotspots, Data Management, FDI, Political Stability, Remote Violence, Resources, Rioting And Protests, Violence Against Civilians

Strong state capacity is difficult to attain in low-income countries where the state lacks access to resources to aid in effectively implementing policies. As a result, incomes are often used as a proxy measurement to determine the strength of state capacity, and states with lower incomes experience some of the highest levels of conflict (see:…

The Conflict Patterns and Role of Pro-Government Militias

Africa, Aid, Current Hotspots, Focus On Militias, Political Stability, Pro-Government Militias, Violence Against Civilians

Pro-government militias (hereafter PGMs) are a growing risk to the safety of civilians and stability of developing states. Of all active militias operating on behalf of political elites (e.g. rebel leaders, politicians, political parties, warlords, military, government officials, etc.), those associated with the state have the most pervasive and negative impact on civilians. Why do…

Chinese Aid and Violence in Africa

Africa, Aid, Asia, Civilians At Risk, Focus On Militias, Remote Violence, Violence Against Civilians

Chinese influence in Africa is on the rise, with China becoming the largest trade partner of the continent (The Economist, 2015) and recently establishing its first mission to the African Union (Reuters, 2015). Chinese aid to Africa has also been increasing. This aid is intentionally distinct from other ‘traditional’ (Western) donors. While the Washington consensus…

Aid and Conflict

Africa, Aid, Inequality, Patronage, Resources

With aid to developing countries at an all time high (OECD, 2014), aid effectiveness – as well as the possible detrimental effects of aid – have been gaining increased attention from both the academic and policy worlds. One of these detrimental effects is the relationship between aid and conflict – especially given the further burden…

The trend of increasing violence against humanitarian workers

Africa, Aid, Civilians At Risk, Conflict Monitoring, Current Hotspots, Human Rights, Peacekeeping, Political Stability, Unidentified Armed Groups, United Nations, Violence Against Civilians

Violence against humanitarian workers reached a record high in 2013: according to the United Nations, a total of 460 humanitarian workers were killed, kidnapped or injured in 2013 in various conflict hotspots across the globe (UN News Centre, 19 August 2014). Analysis of the ACLED dataset shows that there has been an even more dramatic increase in…