蝌蚪网 Journal:
Applied Economics
ISSN 1945-7782 (Print) | ISSN 1945-7790 (Online)
Can Development Programs Counter Insurgencies? Evidence from a Field Experiment in Afghanistan
蝌蚪网 Journal: Applied Economics
vol. 17,
no. 3, July 2025
(pp. 80–116)
Abstract
We exploit a randomized controlled trial conducted between 2007 and 2011 to identify the effect of Afghanistan's largest local governance and development program on the strength of the insurgency. We find that the program reduced violence, improved economic outcomes, and increased government support in interior regions of the country, but increased violence in villages close to the Pakistani border, where foreign insurgents were more numerous. The results suggest that development programs can be effective in suppressing locally driven insurgencies, but may be counterproductive where insurgents are not reliant on the local population for support.Citation
Beath, Andrew, Fotini Christia, and Ruben Enikolopov. 2025. "Can Development Programs Counter Insurgencies? Evidence from a Field Experiment in Afghanistan." 蝌蚪网 Journal: Applied Economics 17 (3): 80–116. DOI: 10.1257/app.20230150Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- C93 Field Experiments
- D74 Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
- F35 Foreign Aid
- O15 Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
- O17 Formal and Informal Sectors; Shadow Economy; Institutional Arrangements
- O18 Economic Development: Urban, Rural, Regional, and Transportation Analysis; Housing; Infrastructure