Working Paper: CEPR ID: DP18674
Authors: Marion Richard; Oliver Vanden Eynde
Abstract: The effectiveness of security operations often depends on cooperation between different national armies. Such cooperation can be particularly important when international borders are porous. In this project, we investigate how the creation of an international armed force that could operate across international borders (the G5-Sahel Joint Force) affected conflict dynamics in the Sahel region. Relying on a regression discontinuity design, we find that the G5 mission lowered the intensity of conflict locally in its zone of operation. Further analysis of geographical conflict propagation patterns indicates that the G5-Sahel force facilitated security operations in border areas.
Keywords: conflict; security; sahel
JEL Codes: O1; D74
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| G5 mission (F53) | reduced intensity of conflict (D74) |
| G5 mission active (F53) | lower conflict fatalities (D74) |
| G5 mission active (F53) | intensified security operations (F50) |
| G5 mission not active (Y70) | relative reduction in security operations (H56) |
| G5 mission (F53) | effectiveness in reducing violence initiated by jihadist groups (F51) |