Publication

This paper explores the idea that social welfare policy can buy peace in conflict-affected societies. Challenging this popular view, it emphasizes the mixed blessings of the "politics of social welfare". To test the ideas, a quantitative-qualitative analysis of Nepal's welfare programs during the "Peoples War" is undertaken. The paper finds positive, but vague evidence of a welfare-peace relationship. The reasons behind the vagueness are then qualitatively explored and attributed to local power-dynamics that distort well-intentioned policies.