Transnational Corporations in Conflict-prone Zones: Public Policy Responses and a Framework for Action

Private sector activity—including both licit and illicit trade and business—is a significant factor influencing the shape and intensity of many conflicts. With a few significant exceptions, however, there has, to date, been little effort (from public, private and civil society sectors alike) to engage different types of private sector actors systematically in conflict prevention. The basic thesis of this paper is that conflict-sensitive business and its promotion of public policy-making institutions could become an important part of a collective and multi-actor effort to create a more peaceful world.