Determinants and Characteristics of (post-) conflict growth

In this master thesis the determinants of (post-)conflict economic growth is investigated. Despite a growing interest in conflict research, there has not been much panel data investigation about the determinants of post-conflict growth. The investigation sample contained in total 103 countries over the period 1960-2008. Based on the Solow Growth Model an empirical growth model is established to investigate the relationship of possible determinants on (post-)conflict growth. This model is tested with several regression methods, where first determinants of growth in conflict countries are established, where after interaction variables show changing relationships of determinants after a conflict. Finally a comparison is made between countries that have never been in conflict. Unemployment and ethnic diversity have a negative relationship with economic growth in the post-conflict period. There is no conclusive evidence found of the influence of military spending, human capital flight and foreign aid in conflict countries. Though not many conclusions can be based on this research, the results found in this provide a new starting point for future research.