Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/259558 
Year of Publication: 
2022
Series/Report no.: 
GIGA Working Papers No. 328
Publisher: 
German Institute of Global and Area Studies (GIGA), Hamburg
Abstract: 
How do large-scale land acquisitions (LSLAs) increase the risk of conflict, and what kind of policies can mitigate this effect? We address these questions with a systematic and policyoriented synthesis of prior research. First, we suggest a simple conceptual framework linking LSLAs to social conflict through relative deprivation. Second, we present empirical evidence on the associations between land investments and social conflict, drawing on preexisting quantitative and qualitative studies as well as on own descriptive analyses and case studies. Taken together, this evidence suggests that conflicts accompany a substantive share of LSLAs (10 to 20 percent). Specifically, contentious dynamics often start with violations of community interests, which spur largely peaceful community protests that trigger coercion and violence at the hands of armed actors associated with national governments and investors. Third, we develop a set of policy recommendations in highlighting the need for thorough regulatory frameworks, meaningful consultation, and full transparency.
Subjects: 
Sub-Saharan Africa
Southeast Asia
large-scale land acquisitions
social conflict
relative deprivation
JEL: 
Q15
Q18
D74
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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