Foreign aid for peace and civilian victimisation

This article examines the effect of foreign aid for peace on civilian victimisation. The existing literature on the effects of post-conflict foreign aid suggests that aid can have both positive and negative outcomes. For instance, it can promote economic growth and equality, but under certain circumstances, it can also fuel corruption, create dependence and even perpetuate violence. This mixed record indicates the need for a better understanding of how intended and desirable outcomes of foreign aid for peace can be achieved. Therefore, this article examines the impact of EU aid for peace in Colombia from 2002 to 2018 on civilian victimisation. By employing a difference-in-differences model and semi-structured interviews, this study aims to clarify the causal mechanisms linking EU aid for peace to reductions in civilian victimisation. The main finding is that EU aid for peace reduces civilian victimisation by strengthening civilian agency and enhancing the visibility of violence in the municipalities where interventions occurred.