ABC's, 123's, and the golden rule: The pacifying effect of education on civil war, 1980-1999

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

116 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study examines two ways by which education might affect the probability of civil war onset. First, educational investment provides a strong signal to the people that the government is attempting to improve their lives, which is apt to lower grievances, even in desperate times. Second, education can generate economic, political, and social stability by giving people tools with which they can resolve disputes peacefully, making them less likely to incur the risks involved in joining a rebellion. This theory is tested by examining the effect of educational expenditures, enrollment levels, and literacy rates on the probability of civil war onset from 1980 through 1999. The results provide evidence for both the grievance and stability arguments, providing strong support for the pacifying effects of education on civil war.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)733-754
Number of pages22
JournalInternational Studies Quarterly
Volume50
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2006

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Sociology and Political Science
  • Political Science and International Relations

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'ABC's, 123's, and the golden rule: The pacifying effect of education on civil war, 1980-1999'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this