Can War Foster Cooperation?
by Michal Bauer, Christopher Blattman, Julie Chytilova, Joseph Henrich, Edward Miguel, Tamar Mitts – #22312 (DEV PE POL)
Abstract:
In the past decade, nearly 20 studies have found a strong, persistent
pattern in surveys and behavioral experiments from over 40 countries:
individual exposure to war violence tends to increase social
cooperation at the local level, including community participation and
prosocial behavior. Thus while war has many negative legacies for
individuals and societies, it appears to leave a positive legacy in
terms of local cooperation and civic engagement. We discuss,
synthesize and reanalyze the emerging body of evidence, and weigh
alternative explanations. There is some indication that war violence
especially enhances in-group or “parochial” norms and preferences, a
finding that, if true, suggests that the rising social cohesion we
document need not promote broader peace.