The Business of Peace : Business as a Partner in Conflict Resolution

During the past decade the forces of political transformation and economic globalization have created a world of new opportunities, and hope for some, but increased instability and insecurity for others. As we enter the 21st century, violent conflict continues to affect the lives of millions of people, undermining human progress and economic development. This has important implications for the private sector, which has become an influential player in many conflict-prone or conflict-ridden countries. From Azerbaijan to Zimbabwe, the potential and reality of violent conflict is becoming an unavoidable business issue. This publication provides a comprehensive and practical overview of the linkages between business and conflict. It outlines: * Why the private sector can no longer afford to ignore the causes and costs of conflict; * Some of the key factors that determine whether business plays a negative role by creating or exacerbating violent conflict, or a positive role by helping to prevent or resolve it; and * The practical actions that companies can take, both individually and in partnership with other actors, to support conflict prevention and resolution and some of the management challenges associated with these actions. The report is aimed at company managers and other practitioners and policy makers active in the increasingly inter-linked fields of corporate social responsibility, international development and conflict prevention and resolution.