Alexander De Juan / Daniel Geissel / Jann Lay / Rebecca Lohmann

Large-Scale Land Deals and Social Conflict: Evidence and Policy Implications

GIGA Working Papers | 2022


  • Abstract

    How do large-scale land acquisitions (LSLAs) increase the risk of conflict, and what kind of policies can mitigate this effect? We address these questions with a systematic and poli-cy-oriented synthesis of prior research. First, we suggest a simple conceptual framework linking LSLAs to social conflict through relative deprivation. Second, we present empirical evidence on the associations between land investments and social conflict, drawing on pre-existing quantitative and qualitative studies as well as on own descriptive analyses and case studies. Taken together, this evidence suggests that conflicts accompany a sub-stantive share of LSLAs (10 to 20 percent). Specifically, contentious dynamics often start with violations of community interests, which spur largely peaceful community protests that trigger coercion and violence at the hands of armed actors associated with national governments and investors. Third, we develop a set of policy recommendations in high-lighting the need for thorough regulatory frameworks, meaningful consultation, and full transparency.

    Series

    GIGA Working Papers

    Series Number

    328

    Number of Pages

    54

    Publisher

    German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA)

    Location

    Hamburg

    Dr. Alexander De Juan

    Dr. Alexander De Juan

    Former GIGA Team member





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