Natural Disasters in Peru: Government Response on Migration and Violence

• In Event: Migration "Crises": Determinants and Consequences of Politicization

Abstract

What is the role of government policy in explaining the link between natural disasters, displacement, and political violence? Previous research linking environmental migration and conflict has been inconclusive but has largely ignored the critical role of government response to natural disasters. We argue that the type of policy response has a direct influence on the movement of people and on the overall level of violence observed both where the disaster took place and where disaster displaced groups relocate. We examine disaster responses in the form of relocation of affected individuals, restrictions on movement, reconstruction of damaged areas, and regulations of third-party disaster relief in one of the most disaster prone countries in the world: Peru. Drawing on newly complied data from UN reports, news reports, country-specific data, we explore the relationship between disasters, migration, and political violence in Peru between 1986 and 2009. In analyses of geo-coded data, we expect to find that violent events are more likely when there are restrictions on post-disaster movement or regulations on third party aid, especially in areas previously experiencing violence or large amounts of forced migration. On the other hand, reconstruction policies should reduce the incidence of violence. Our study demonstrates the critical importance of policy for reducing the incidence of violence after a natural disaster.

Authors

• Sara McLaughlin Mitchell, University of Iowa

• Elise Pizzi, University of Iowa