Good management of aid projects in developing countries reduces violence in those areas — but poorly managed projects increase the chances of local violence, according to a new study by an MIT economist.The research, examining World Bank projects in Africa, illuminates a major question surrounding international aid. Observers have long wondered if aid projects, by bringing new resources into developing countries, lead to conflict over those goods as an unintended consequence. Previously, some scholars have identified an increase in violence attached to aid, while others have found a decrease.The new…

Good management of aid projects in developing countries reduces violence in those areas — but poorly managed projects increase the chances of local violence, according to a new study by an MIT economist.The research, examining World Bank projects in Africa, illuminates a major question surrounding international aid. Observers have long wondered if aid projects, by bringing new resources into developing countries, lead to conflict over those goods as an unintended consequence. Previously, some scholars have identified an increase in violence attached to aid, while others have found a decrease.The new…