Conflict and reconstruction : roles for the World Bank
For only the first few years after the establishment of the World Bank, the institution's lending and analytic activities concentrated on post Second World War reconstruction rather than development. After several decades of dedication to development, reconstruction after conflict or state collapse has reemerged as an important area of Bank operations. In recent years a growing number of states have experienced erosion or collapse of governance, extended civil war, even genocide. These societies face problems of rehabilitation and reconstruction far more complex than repair and replacement of physical capital. The crises they produce create humanitarian disasters that often spill over into neighboring states, undo years of investment, send countries into arrears, destroy infrastructure (including some previously financed by the Bank), and later in the reconstruction period claim large international assistance. To promote implementation of this policy the Bank should establish a special unit devoted to the problems of failing states and post conflict recovery. The unit would undertake analysis, information gathering, staff orientation, project support, and coordination with other agencies. It would undertake to clarify, evaluate, and assist in the development of an expanded and regularized Bank role with respect to failing, failed, or recovering states. This study attempts to cull from 13 country experiences, ranging from some that have been undergoing reconstruction for some years already, to others barely emergent from destructive crisis (Angola, Mozambique), to others still in the midst of civil deterioration (Burundi, Sierra Leone). Given the brief time available for its preparation, the study should be read as a prologue to further in-depth examination of the various problems faced in these and other countries and the implications for the Bank's new reconstruction role.
Beyond Bungee Cord Humanitarianism: Towards a Developmental Agenda for Peacebuilding
ABSTRACT This article presents ten caveats that might serve as points of reference in our efforts to formulate efficient and effective peacebuilding and reconstruction (PBR) initiatives. It is motivated by a concern that the contributions of Canada and the international community to PBR may be limited by narrow and shortsighted understandings of the nature of the PBR challenge. It calls for a much more critical and self-conscious approach which draws on and cultivates indigenous peacebuilding resources. Most importantly, it cautions against “bungee cord humanitarianism,” (i.e., limited, short-term, in-out operations) while arguing for the need to recognize PBR as a “developmental” process requiring sustained commitment, imagination, and creativity.
Gambling and Problem Gambling in Sweden: Changes Between 1998 and 2009
Gambling participation and rates of problem gambling change over time in response to a variety of factors including gambling availability, demographic changes and adaptation at individual and societal levels. These relationship are complex and only partially understood. The major aim of the present study was to provide general population estimates of gambling participation and problem gambling for Sweden and compare these estimates with estimates from a previous national study. The study was also designed to identify risk factors for problem gambling including change in these factors over time. Data are from the first phase of the Swedish Longitudinal Gambling Study (Swelogs) in which a representative sample of 8,165 people was assessed using validated problem gambling and other measures to facilitate comparison with findings from the 1997/1998 Swedish Gambling Study (Swegs). Overall, it was found that gambling participation reduced markedly, although in some population sectors increases were evident for some forms including poker and electronic gaming machines. Lifetime prevalence of probable pathological gambling increased; however, past 12 months probable pathological and problem gambling prevalence did not. Males, younger adults and people born outside Sweden were at high risk in both studies. Significant prevalence increases were evident for people aged 18–24 and those with low levels of education. The results indicate that relationships between gambling exposure, participation and problems are dynamic with shifting implications for public health and social policy.