Market Mechanisms in the Midst of Conflict: Unpacking the Paradoxes of Economic Growth and Violence in Burundi and Rwanda

This report explores two puzzles: Why is there economic growth despite conflict? Further, why is there conflict despite economic growth? I introduce three papers. The first paper explores the role of foreign direct investment in fostering economic growth during conflict in Burundi and Rwanda. The second paper examines how privatised assets became a means for conflict financing in both contexts. The third paper develops a theory to explain how privatisation can provide a motive for conflict.,