Three essays on conflict and ethnic tensions

On Tuesday 22 October 2024 Monica Beeder will hold a trial lecture on a prescribed topic and defend her thesis for the PhD degree at NHH.

Monica Beeder´ s thesis tackles the pressing issues of war and violence in contemporary society, focusing on the internal conflicts that torment nations like Ethiopia and Colombia. With a lens on the complexities of civil wars and the war on drugs, she explores the underlying mechanisms, dynamics, and consequences of these conflicts, ultimately highlighting the urgent need for effective peacekeeping and reconstruction efforts.

PhD Candidate Monica Beeder, Department of Economics. NHH. Photo: Sigrid Folkestad

The thesis opens by addressing the significant human suffering and displacement caused by internal conflicts, particularly in Ethiopia, which accounted for over 40 percent of global conflict-related deaths in 2022. It examines how civil wars, often rooted in ethnic tensions and socio-economic inequalities, challenge our understanding of human behavior and group dynamics. This is particularly relevant as both Ethiopia and Colombia have experienced surges in violence despite international peace efforts.

In the first central research area, the thesis investigates the relationship between cocaine production and violence in Colombia. Utilizing quasi-experimental designs, it reveals that a decrease in the price of trafficked gasoline—an essential input for cocaine production—led to a staggering 50 percent increase in homicide rates in coca-producing areas. This research emphasizes the importance of controlling coca cultivation and the supply chain of illegal inputs to curb violence effectively.

The second area of focus explores the intersection of ethnic identity and discrimination among women in Ethiopia. Using a Randomized Control Trial and qualitative interviews, the research reveals that employment opportunities can significantly influence ethnic identity switching, often as a strategy for personal security amid conflict. This nuanced understanding sheds light on the complexity of identity in a country rife with ethnic tensions.

Finally, the Beeder investigates ethnic bias through vignette experiments involving over 1,200 participants who were couples, illustrating that discrimination varies significantly depending on context. Notably, while women exhibited minimal bias against individuals from other ethnic groups, their male counterparts, who were also their partners, displayed considerable prejudice, underscoring the role of gender in shaping discriminatory behaviors.

Overall, this thesis offers valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of conflict, ethnic tension, and discrimination, providing critical implications for policymakers and practitioners aiming to foster peace and inclusivity in conflict-affected regions.