A Political Analysis
This paper aims to provide an analysis of the
mechanisms of the war economy in Liberia,
examining the linkages between factional activity
and the political process at government level, as
well as the ways in which micro-level survival
strategies feed into the illegal economy. Through
such analysis it is possible to highlight the
various policy strategies that may help to limit
or counter the effects of the political economy
that has developed. These may challenge the
orthodox role of humanitarian relief, but radical
solutions are necessary because of the nature of
the prolonged crisis in Liberia.
The study is divided into two parts with an
introductory background section. The first offers
a descriptive analysis of the workings of the war
economy, its effects and implications, while the
second focuses on the experience of NGOs in
Liberia and the possibilities that exist for them
to respond to the realities of the conflict using
advocacy and other non-traditional policies.
Recommendations for further action include the
need for more detailed research on particular
aspects of the war economy, as well as the need
for the humanitarian community to lobby donors
and other actors to increase their understanding
of its mechanisms.