Foreword

Abstract

The book includes a set of chapters primarily to investigate the link between economics and conflicts. Although the subject matter has been presented in some other volumes in this series, this book spans a wider area covering cross fertilisation of disciplines and the role of law and institutions. The cross-disciplinary approach is necessary because some pure economists are presenting their findings in the area of politics and international relations. Some contributors are asking the questions about the economic value of peace. For that purpose they are using sophisticated scientific methods to analyze domestic and international conflicts. A related specific question is asked about the cost saving by privatising military prisons rather than contracting. This substitution has implications in other areas such as contracting military operations at the time of war. Of course, this cost savings should be weighed against motivation of the soldiers to fight. The question of comparative cost also arises in the technology transfer of military goods without giving out sensitive information and at the same time, concerned about competition from indigenous capabilities of substitutions. This alternative will induce proliferation of arms capabilities of other countries.

Citation

(2010), "Foreword", Goldsmith, B.E. and Brauer, J. (Ed.) Economics of War and Peace: Economic, Legal, and Political Perspectives (Contributions to Conflict Management, Peace Economics and Development, Vol. 14), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, p. xi. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1572-8323(2010)0000014004