Ethiopian Affairs

The idea of preventing conflicts is firmly embedded in the notion that it is a morally, financially and strategically preferable option than to tackle violent clashes after they have already erupted (4). For one, impeding violent conflict to unfold spares people from suffering. Furthermore, the financial costs of war itself, of post-conflict reconstruction and the losses derived from economic disruption are far greater than the costs of funding conflict prevention mechanisms(5). Additionally, once a conflict has erupted and intensified, the required actions to de-escalate it might exceed the capabilities of international organizations and conflict resolution is complicated when “blood has been spilled, passions have been aroused and resultant cognitive rigidity prevents the disputants from pursuing non-violent options” (6).