- Brief created: 2022
- For policymakers
Business (not) for peace: Incentives and disincentives for corporate engagement on good governance and peaceful development in the African context
Based on:
Journal Article (2019) ↗
This research is a review piece that examines assumptions about the private sector and its peace and development impact, and also questions those assumptions that are underlying major policy instruments, particularly in Europe.
Brief by:
There is a major assumption underlying important policy instruments, especially in Europe, that there is an inherent benefit to private sector development, that the private sector has a positive impact in reducing conflict and promoting peace and development.
The assumption is also that the private sector is therefore a necessary partner in development, who has an incentive to pursue positive peace and development goals. This article’s significance is that it critically analyses this assumption.
Key findings
The main argument of the article is that this assumption is untrue.
The article rallies evidence that shows that the private sector is not a necessary nor consistently positive actor in promoting development and peace.
This is especially true in the African context, where business and private interests are often implicated in conflict escalation rather than peaceful development.
Proposed action
A regulatory approach is required
One thing especially European policy makers could do is to stop subsidising and actively pushing companies into fragile areas.
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Acknowledgements
Special thanks to Antoine Germain for preparation assistance
We would like to extend a special thank you to Antoine Germain, for their invaluable contribution in assisting the preparation of this research summary.
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Business (not) for peace: Incentives and disincentives for corporate engagement on good governance and peaceful development in the African context
Cite this brief: Ganson, Brian. 'Business (not) for peace: Incentives and disincentives for corporate engagement on good governance and peaceful development in the African context'. Acume. https://www.acume.org/r/business-not-for-peace-incentives-and-disincentives-for-corporate-engagement-on-good-governance-and-peaceful-development-in-the-african-context/
Brief created by: Professor Brian Ganson | Year brief made: 2022
Original research:
- Ganson, B., ‘Business (not) for peace: Incentives and disincentives for corporate engagement on good governance and peaceful development in the African context’ 26 (2) (pp. 209–232) https://doi.org/10.1080/10220461.2019.1607546. – https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10220461.2019.1607546
Research brief:
This research is a review piece that examines assumptions about the private sector and its peace and development impact, and also questions those assumptions that are underlying major policy instruments, particularly in Europe.
There is a major assumption underlying important policy instruments, especially in Europe, that there is an inherent benefit to private sector development, that the private sector has a positive impact in reducing conflict and promoting peace and development.
The assumption is also that the private sector is therefore a necessary partner in development, who has an incentive to pursue positive peace and development goals. This article’s significance is that it critically analyses this assumption.
Findings:
The main argument of the article is that this assumption is untrue.
The article rallies evidence that shows that the private sector is not a necessary nor consistently positive actor in promoting development and peace.
This is especially true in the African context, where business and private interests are often implicated in conflict escalation rather than peaceful development.
Advice:
A regulatory approach is required
- An effective regulatory regime will enable good actors that act in a positive way for development and peace.
One thing especially European policy makers could do is to stop subsidising and actively pushing companies into fragile areas.