Poverty and Violence in a Complex Relationship Essay

Poverty and Violence in a Complex Relationship - Essay Example This paper will put the complexity into perspective. The question posed by the ‘Economist’ deserves critical consideration because getting viable answers to the causes of violence and poverty can serve as a benchmark. Such knowledge would prove very useful in defining the global priorities in the long-term venture of promoting human development. The fact that peaceful nations in the developing world have registered positive growth In the recent past, in rates that are markedly higher than those in violent nations, establishes a pattern (Heitmeyer, & Hagan, 2003:24). This fact proves Aradau and Brown’s argument that human security is a precondition for human development very relevant (Butcher, & Papaioannou, 2012: 31). Without security, people live under constant fear. The constancy of fear among people has the potential of causing developmental paralysis. The case study illustrated in the ‘Economist’ comparing Burkina Faso and Burundi serves to provide more insight (The Economist, 2011:1). In 1990, the two African states presented an almost equal potential for economic growth. However, the violence that erupted in Burundi following the assassination of its president derailed the economic growth. After more than a decade of instability and violence in Burundi, a comparison to peaceful Burkina Faso portrayed the detrimental effects of violence. Burkina Faso was doing better and had registered a wealth gain of two and a half times. This serves to highlight that violence has the potential of making a nation poor. In the absence of the violence that resulted, probably Burundi would be an emerging economy in Africa.