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INCORE Thematic Guide to sources on Business and Conflict.

Version 1/02, August 2002, compiled by Scott H. Baker

Introduction
Although the relationship between economics, politics and sociology has been examined for some time, the role of economics in societal reconstruction is a relatively new field. Within this field, the more specific role of businesses in conflict societies is in even more nascent stages of research. Furthermore, inquiries into the relationship between humanitarian organisations, businesses and societies in conflict has only just begun, despite the fact that both groups have been involved in areas of conflict for quite some time. Few comprehensive resources are available for researchers interested in pursuing various aspects of the relationship between businesses and societies in conflict.

This Thematic Guide is intended to aid the researcher of this important and evolving field, by providing relevant and substantive information currently available on the Internet. Inclusion in this Guide does not imply an endorsement by INCORE of views expressed in any of these sources, nor does INCORE claim this Thematic Guide to be all encompassing in its scale and scope. If you have a complaint about this guide, or believe that we have omitted a relevant source of information, please read our information about the Thematic Guides before writing to us. You may find that this will answer some of your questions. This includes a warning about the type of information included in the guide, information about our ‘criteria for inclusion’ and about our ‘updating and additions policy.’ Any inquiries should be sent to incore@incore.ulst.ac.uk.

 

Contents

Inclusion in this guide does not imply an endorsement by INCORE of the views expressed in any of these sources.

Prime sources (A select list drawn from the categories below)
News Sources
Institutions
Publications
Non Governmental Organisations
Various sources

 

Prime sources

This list does not imply a recommendation of the sources or an endorsement of the views expressed in any of these sources. It is a select list drawn from the other categories in this document.

  • International Alert
    IA is a non-profit that is directly involved in conflict resolution and humanitarian relief efforts. One of IA’s Policy Units deals specifically with the role of business in conflict societies. This unit provides valuable background information, case studies, tools for businesses, and some publications.
    • Business Policy Unit
      This is IA’s Business and Conflict Unit, which contains valuable information as well as links to their projects and publications.
    • IA's Links
    • Publications
      This area of IA’s site lists publications on the general role of business in conflict resolution and peace building, development in conflict societies, and country-specific reports. With the help of IA, Jane Nelson has published an excellent report entitled “The Business of Peace” which is available to order from their website; however an executive summary is available:
  • International Business Leaders Forum
    The Prince of Wales’ IBLF is a non-profit which strives to promote responsible business practices, especially in assisting new and emerging market economies achieve social, economic and environmentally sustainable development. IBLF’s site is a very extensive one that includes their Corporate Social Responsibility form (CSR) for ethical business practices in new and emerging societies. While the focus of IBLF is not necessarily on business practices in conflict societies, they do have a wealth of information pertaining to better business practices. Of particular note:
    • Corporate Social Responsibility by Theme
      CSR lists information and resources based on several themes. Pertinent to business in conflict are there themes on Human Rights, Economic Development, and Human Disaster Relief.
    • Conflict and Security Resource Center
      Of particular interest to business in conflict is IBLF’s Conflict and Security Resource Center, done in partnership with International Alert. The CSRC contains valuable information on the issue of business in conflict, as well as several case studies in Northern Ireland, the Philippines, Nigeria and South Africa.

  • United Nations-Business Partnership
    This is a comprehensive site from the UN covering many aspects its relationship with business. The main purpose of the site is to provide links to the many organisations concerned with the role of business in development, but it also contains statements, fact sheets and statistics, news releases, publications, associations and case studies. Of special interest to the role of business in conflict:
  • United Nationās Global Compact
    This initiative launched in 1999 by the United Nations urges transnational corporations (TNCs) to operate in a socially responsible manner, including efforts by corporations to promote and protect human rights in their business operations and other areas of influence. Of particular interest to researchers of business in conflict societies:
    • Nine Principles of the Global Compact
      These are the main principles of the Compact that the international business community is asked to practice (or at the minimum, consider). Principle 2 is of particular interest, which calls for corporate responsibility in avoidance of human rights violations.

     

News Sources

  • Business and Human Rights Resource
    Provides news releases and links to issues involving security/conflict and business. More information about this site is listed within this Guide under “Other Sources.”
  • Earth Times
    An international newspaper published by the non-profit International Media Foundation, Earth Times publishes articles and reports on economic, humanitarian and social issues. Articles related to the role of business in conflict periodically appear in the “Business & Investing” and “Sustainability” sections. Earth Times also has a section on Conflict Resolution, but it was not functioning at the time of this publication.
  • Global Witness
    This non-profit organisation strives to expose environmental exploitation and human rights abuses, including funding of conflicts. The Press Releases link in this section provides access to news articles, while more information about GW may be found within this website under the NGO section.
  • Human Rights Watch
    This link has press releases posted by HRW pertaining to the issue of corporations and human rights. More information may be found within this site under HRW in the NGO section.
  • International Business Leaders Forum News Archive
    This site has news briefs and links updated on a monthly basis. More information about the IBLF may be found within this site in the NGO section.

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Publications

  • Journals
    • Business Ethnics Report
      This is the website for Business Ethics magazine, a publication sponsored by corporations concerned with corporate social responsibility. The website contains links to cover stories, articles, books, conferences and other ‘like-minded’ organisations. Subscription to an email newsletter is also available.
    • Business in the Community
      BITC is an organisation of UK companies concerned with corporate social responsibility, and they provide a free subscription newsletter.
    • Business for Social Responsibility
      An online magazine geared towards businesses and managers concerned with corporate social responsibility. The site contains a search engine to access back-issued articles, while membership allows for further access to resources.
    • Track Two
      A quarterly publication from the Centre for Conflict Resolution at the University of Cape Town, this online journal has several articles related to business in conflict societies.

     

  • Articles/Reports
    • Business and War
      Jakkie Cilliers of the Institute for Security Studies, Pretoria, South Africa, wrote this article published in African Security Review, Vol. 10, No. 3, 2001. In it, the author highlights the dilemmas facing multinational corporations doing business in conflict areas, and argues that cooperation between international organisations and corporations is necessary in order to ensure best practices. The author also argues that few countries deserve this ‘dual approach more than Angola.’
    • Business as Peacemaker: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty & Conflict
      This article written by Karen Hayes was chosen by Ashridge Business School as its 2001 essay award winner. While the article contains relatively little in terms of recommendations or tangible guidelines for business investment in conflict societies, it does provide a sound argument for responsible business investment as a necessary element in breaking the “poverty cycle” in the rebuilding of conflict-torn societies. The author provides mini-case studies on Kosovo and Rwanda, and argues that humanitarian organisations and businesses need one another despite ideological or pragmatic rifts.
    • The Business of Peace
      A report by Jane Nelson published in 2000, in conjunction with International Alert, the Council on Economic Priorities and the Prince of Wales Business Leaders Forum. The author provides a very comprehensive report illustrating the case for business engagement in conflict zones, as well as outlining principles for ensuring minimization of negative impact and maximization of positive impact. Although the work must be ordered, a helpful “Executive Summary” can be downloaded.
    • Business in Zones of Conflict: The Role of the Multinational in Promoting Regional Stability
      In a report written for International Peace Forum (see above) and presented at the UN Global Compact Policy Dialogues in 2002, Juliette Bennett provides excellent mini-case studies of the oil, diamond and financial sectors. The author argues that the international business community “will increasingly find itself confronted with the challenge of promoting peacebuilding” and must increasingly be concerned with proper practice of conflict resolution.
    • Business Investment in Conflict-Torn Regions
      This is a speech delivered in December 2000, by Ambassador John J. Maresca, president of the non-profit Business-Humanitarian Forum Association. In it, Maresca stresses the critical, and mutually-dependent, relationship between humanitarian organisations and businesses in assisting societies in conflict.
    • Business: Why Do Private Companies Have A Role In Conflict Prevention?
      This article written by Robert Davies was a precursor to the CEP/IBLF/IA/IPF report on the “Business of Peace” (see under Articles or International Alert under NGO’s). The article lists five reasons why private companies should become more involved in conflict prevention, and lists six principles for best practice when doing so.
    • By How Much Does Conflict Reduce Financial Development?
      In a discussion paper written for the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU/WIDER), Tony Addison, Abdur R. Chowdhury and S. Mansoob Murshed argue that the impacts of conflict on society are indeed negative, and that the best approach for reconstruction is business investment coordinated with conflict resolution.
    • Civic Communities and Predatory Societies
      A paper delivered by Larry Diamond to the conference “Culture Matters: A Forum for Business, Education and Training Professionals” at the Intercultural Management Institute, American University, Washington D.C. 10 May 2001. While the focus of the paper is not specifically on the role of business in conflict resolution, it provides a very good background on the difference between a “civic” and a “predatory” community; where responsible business investment would undoubtedly help the latter transition into the former.
    • Conflicting Interests
      In this 2001 article by Jason Switzer, written for the Environment Council’s business periodical, the author stresses the importance of “proactive investment” in conflict resolution as a more cost-efficient, and effective, measure.
    • Corporate Options for Breaking Cycles of Conflict
      This 2001 article written by Mary B. Anderson and Luc Zandvliet for the Corporate Engagement Project of the Collaborative for Development Action (see under NGO’s below) provides suggestions for corporations involved (or considering involvement) in conflict areas; both in how to lower risks/costs and ‘demonstrate wider corporate responsibility’ towards the communities.
    • Economic Agendas in Armed Conflict: Background Paper
      Prepared by the International Peace Academy and the Norwegian Institute for Applied Social Science (see more under “Institutions” within this Guide), this paper was given at the March 2002 symposium aimed at providing key issues for the UN to consider on the relationship between the private sector and armed conflicts.
    • Peace by Piece
      Uri Savir, Israel’s chief negotiator in the Oslo Process, wrote this 1999 article published online by World Link. In it, the author contends that political peace initiatives are not adequately supported by socio-economic benefits, and that long-term economic investment/development is absolutely essential in the peacebuilding process.
    • The Role of the World Bank in Conflict-Affected Areas
      This 2001 article by Maurizio Ragazzi argues that while the role of the World Bank (IBRD) in conflict-affected areas is not new, there are a host of new legal challenges to the World Bank’s engagement in such areas.
    • Triad in Crises
      In this discussion paper, Scott H. Baker calls for an examination of the important relationships between the triad of intervention organisations, the international business community, and societies in conflict. The author argues that although the role of business in conflict-torn societies is garnering needed attention, more research on the oft-distrustful relationship between businesses and intervention organisations is required. Moreover, given the importance of these two groups to conflict-torn societies, an increase in their collaboration would benefit all.
    • The United Nations and Business: A Partnership Recovered
      This link provides key excerpts from Sandrine Tesner’s book (St. Martin’s Press, 2000), which discusses the critical role corporations can provide in the development of underdeveloped and post-conflict societies as long as the adhered to norms of corporate social responsibility (CSR).


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Institutions

  • Department for International Development (DfID)
    Set up in 1997, DfID is the UK government’s department charged with promoting development and reducing poverty in the world. Although much of DfID’s work focuses on humanitarian crises and sustainable development, some information relevant to business and conflict may be found here:
  • Harvard University
    The Harvard School of Public Health’s Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflicts has begun a major research ‘portal’ on the role of economics in conflicts. While the project is still in the development stages, it does provide a good introduction to their research goals of assessing economic impact in conflict zones, with examples of Shell’s past operations in Africa.

  • International Labour Organisation Database
    This is an online database on Business and Social Initiatives provided by the ILO. Searches may be conducted by ILO topic, industry and/or country.
  • London School of Economics (LSE)
    LSE’s Center for the study of Global Governance (CsGG) maintains an on-going research project on “Oil and Conflict,” which includes a summary, description and bibliography of the project.
  • Norwegian Institute for Applied Social Sciences
    The Institute’s Programme for International Co-operation and Conflict Resolution (PICCR) is conducting a project on researching the impact of private sector activities in the instigation and maintenance of armed conflicts. The project includes several articles, reports and links relevant to business and conflict:
  • United Nations-Business Partnership
    This is a comprehensive site from the UN covering many aspects its relationship with business. The main purpose of the site is to provide links to the many organisations concerned with the role of business in development, but it also contains statements, fact sheets and statistics, news releases, publications, associations and case studies. Of special interest to the role of business in conflict:
  • United Nationās Global Compact
    This initiative launched in 1999 by the United Nations urges transnational corporations (TNCs) to operate in a socially responsible manner, including efforts by corporations to promote and protect human rights in their business operations and other areas of influence. Of particular interest to researchers of business in conflict societies:
    • Nine Principles of the Global Compact
      These are the main principles of the Compact that the international business community is asked to practice (or at the minimum, consider). Principle 2 is of particular interest, which calls for corporate responsibility in avoidance of human rights violations.
  • World Bank
    This institution is comprised of several units, with the International Bank for Reconstruction & Development (IBRD) being one the largest. While a search through the World Bank’s archives will produce some useful information pertaining to the role of business in conflict, the information listed below will be especially relevant:
  • World Institute for Development Economics Research (WIDER)
    A program affiliated with the United Nations University. Although WIDER’s research and policy analysis is largely geared towards ‘structural changes affecting the world’s poorest people,’ it is worth a visit for researchers of business and conflict:


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Non-Governmental Organisations

  • Business-Humanitarian Forum
    This non-profit organisation seeks to assist businesses with responsible investment in conflict societies, as well as promoting cooperation between humanitarian agencies and corporations. Some of BHF’s work that is particularly salient:
    • Business-Humanitarian Concept
      This publication outlines the BHF’s concept of mutually beneficial cooperation between businesses and humanitarian organisations.
    • BHF Reports and Publications
      A list of BHF’s reports, publications, and articles on the role of business in conflict, with a focus on the benefit of cooperation between humanitarian organisations and businesses.

  • Business in the Community
    BiTC is an organisation of several hundred UK corporations (many are transnational) whose mission is to advise its members on best practices towards corporate social responsibility. This site contains information on case studies, business impact, and corporate reporting, as well as a search engine and free subscription to their newsletter.

  • Centre for Conflict Resolution
    This organisation, affiliated with the University of Cape Town, works for ‘just and lasting peaceful resolution’ to conflicts in South Africa, as well as other African nations. CCR has some publications on the role of business in conflict in the African continent.

  • Collaborative for Development Action
    CDA is a ‘project driven and grant funded’ consulting firm that works with humanitarian assistance programs and organisations. Of special interest to researchers of business in conflict:
    • Corporate Engagement Project
      The Corporate Engagement Project intends to assist managers of multinational corporations in understanding the socio-political impact of their involvement in societies. They have a few publications under this project, most notably:
      • Corporate Options for Breaking Cycles of Conflict
        This 2001 article written by Mary B. Anderson and Luc Zandvliet provides suggestions for corporations involved (or considering involvement) in conflict areas; both in how to lower risks/costs and ‘demonstrate wider corporate responsibility’ towards the communities.
  • Fund for Peace
    FfP is an organisation dedicated to the ‘prevention and alleviation’ of conditions that cause war. While the primary focus of the organisation is conflict prevention and resolution, of special interest to the role of business in conflict is:
  • Global Witness
    This non-profit organisation strives to expose environmental exploitation and human rights abuses, particularly where unregulated extraction of natural resources such as timber, diamonds and oil have a negative impact on locals, especially when used to fund conflict itself. Their site contains information organized by industry or by countries where GW has a campaign.

  • Human Rights Watch-Corporate Watch
    The link above provides information, including commentaries, press releases, publications, and reports on the issue of transnational corporations and human rights from the multi-faceted non-profit organization HRW. Of special note are the world reports on the role of Business and Human Rights:
  • Institute for Multi-Track Diplomacy
    IMTD is an organisation which strives ‘to promote a systems approach to peacebuilding and to facilitate the transformation of deep-rooted social conflict,’ with one of the main approaches involving business and peacebuilding:
  • International Alert
    IA is a non-profit that is directly involved in conflict resolution and humanitarian relief efforts. One of IA’s Policy Units deals specifically with the role of business in conflict societies. This unit provides valuable background information, case studies, tools for businesses, and some publications.
    • Business Policy Unit
      This is IA’s Business and Conflict Unit, which contains valuable information as well as links to their projects and publications.
    • IA's Links
    • Publications
      This area of IA’s site lists publications on the general role of business in conflict resolution and peace building, development in conflict societies, and country-specific reports. With the help of IA, Jane Nelson has published an excellent report entitled “The Business of Peace” which is available to order from their website; however an executive summary is available:
  • International Business Leaders Forum
    The Prince of Wales’ IBLF is a non-profit which strives to promote responsible business practices, especially in assisting new and emerging market economies achieve social, economic and environmentally sustainable development. IBLF’s site is a very extensive one that includes their Corporate Social Responsibility form (CSR) for ethical business practices in new and emerging societies. While the focus of IBLF is not necessarily on business practices in conflict societies, they do have a wealth of information pertaining to better business practices. Of particular note:
    • Corporate Social Responsibility by Theme
      CSR lists information and resources based on several themes. Pertinent to business in conflict are there themes on Human Rights, Economic Development, and Human Disaster Relief.
    • Conflict and Security Resource Center
      Of particular interest to business in conflict is IBLF’s Conflict and Security Resource Center, done in partnership with International Alert. The CSRC contains valuable information on the issue of business in conflict, as well as several case studies in Northern Ireland, the Philippines, Nigeria and South Africa.

  • International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
    The ICRC has begun specialised research into the role of business in conflict areas, and the relationship of transnational corporations and humanitarian organisations. Of particular interest to researchers of business and conflict:
  • International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
    The IISD is an organisation that counsels governments, academics and NGO’s on sustainable development strategies. The link provided is for their Environment, Business and Conflict department, which provides access to their publications as well as further links to other organisations.

  • International Peace Forum
    IPF is a consulting group that focuses on conflict prevention and resolution. Of particular interest is their work on the role of business in peacebuilding, and they contributed to the “Business of Peace” report with IA and IBLF (see International Alert above). Some articles related to business in conflict may be found in their newsletter:


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Various Sources

  • Business & Human Rights Resource Website
    This ‘online library’ maintained by Christopher Avery and Sarah Wykes provides an excellent array of links related to business and human rights issues. Information is provided by the UN, ILO, corporations, academics, journalists and humanitarian organisations, and is subdivided by topic, country, region or organisation. Of particular note to researchers of business and conflict:
    • Principles & Standards
      Provides reports, information and links to the principles and standards for business and human rights by organisation/corporation.
    • Security & Conflict Zones
      Provides reports, information and links to issues involving security/conflict and business, including recent articles and news releases.

  • Corporate Social Responsibility Europe Database
    On online database and search engine, which allows a search based on subjects or by keyword.

  • Economist Country Guides
    The Economist magazine has an excellent site with country guide listings, some of which contain articles and information on investments in the local economies of societies in conflict.

  • Fund for Peace Organisation Listing
    FfP has a listing of various organisations involved with humanitarian and human rights issues, including links to business and development agencies.

  • International Chamber of Commerce
    The ICC publishes a list of multinational corporations that are attempting to comply with the UN’s Global Compact, with examples provided by the corporations themselves:
  • International Global Communications
    IGC is an online network connecting hundreds of agencies involved in humanitarian and development issues.

  • LSE's Global Dimensions
    While the primary focus of this research program at the London School of Economics focuses on issues of globalization, they do have some articles that may be of interest as well as a search engine and discussion thread:
  • World Trade Organisationās Directory of Development Agencies
    A fairly comprehensive listing of NGO’s concerned with development and economic issues.


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