Greed, creed, and governance in civil conflicts: a case study of Balochistan

The Baloch nationalists have been actively involved in an armed struggle against the government of Pakistan during the last decade. Indeed, the recent risk assessment report produced by the Minorities at Risk Project places the Baloch population at a high risk for future rebellion. A detailed analysis of the ongoing conflict reveals that in addition to the classic greed- and grievance-based explanations, poor governance resulting from the ongoing plunder of Balochistan's natural resources and its economic and political marginalization has been a major cause of mounting tension between the Baloch people and the government of Pakistan. The presence of insurgent groups and the continuation of violent conflict in neighboring Afghanistan might lead to further instability in Balochistan. The government of Pakistan therefore seriously needs to reform its strategy and address the issues that have lead to the escalation of the conflict under discussion during the last decade.