The Economics of War and Peace
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In this seven-part series, Professor James Boyce delivers an analysis of a topic often ignored or labeled as “non-economic” by mainstream economists. The series opens with a historical exploration of both successes and failures in using economics to end wars and sustain peace. Boyce then delves into the complex interplay of greed and grievances in civil wars, drawing from his first-hand experience in post-war El Salvador in the 1990s.
Throughout the series, Boyce critiques conventional economic wisdom, particularly in areas such as efficiency, debt, tariffs, and the taxation of foreign aid in countries transitioning from war to peace. In the concluding episodes, he highlights the critical challenges and dilemmas economists must confront to address the enormous costs of war. Boyce argues that only by reimagining its role and shedding ideological biases can economic theory truly help humanity understand how to invest in lasting peace.