The Intelligence from The Economist Long shots: the complex nature of civil wars
May 1, 2023
Robert Guest, deputy editor at The Economist, shares his insights on the complexities of civil wars, emphasizing how climate change and criminal activities exacerbate conflicts in regions like Ethiopia and Sudan. Noah Snyder, Tokyo Bureau Chief, discusses Japan's struggles to compete in the electric vehicle market, highlighting the risks for major brands like Toyota and Honda as they lag behind global trends. The podcast also pays tribute to cultural icon Harry Belafonte, celebrating his legacy as a musician and civil rights activist.
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Complexity of Civil Wars
- Civil wars are becoming increasingly complex, involving more belligerent groups, making resolution harder.
- This complexity is driven by eroding international norms, criminality, and climate change.
Climate Change's Impact
- Climate change disrupts livelihoods, forcing people to migrate and clash over resources.
- This makes it easier for extremist groups to recruit in affected areas, like the Sahel.
Criminality's Role
- Criminality fuels conflict as weak governance and corruption incentivize violence for wealth.
- Rebel groups profit from looting and extortion, further perpetuated by international organized crime.