The Political Economy of Preventing Humanitarian Emergencies

Abstract

This chapter focuses on long-term policies to prevent emergencies, linked to an analysis of root causes. It emphasizes economic approaches: stabilization, adjustment and reform; aid and debt relief; foreign investment; institutional change; safety nets for the poor; reduction of inequalities; and food and agriculture. A political economy approach includes economic analysis but also examines the interests of political leaders and policy-makers who make economic decisions, and of members of the population (domestic or foreign) who are affected by these decisions.