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From Poverty to Power Green, Oxfam 2008 - weman

From Poverty to Power Green, Oxfam 2008 - weman

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FROM POVERTY TO POWERdrivers of conflict. Fighting terrorism certainly requires effectivepolice and related security measures – but since 2001, terrorism hasbecome a justification for seeking military solutions <strong>to</strong> problemsthat are more than military in nature, and poor people are paying aterrible price.Conflicts, as Part 4 showed, have local roots that require largelylocal solutions aimed at achieving peace and strengthening thecombination of active citizens and effective, accountable states thatholds the key <strong>to</strong> development. The international system can provideaid and diplomacy <strong>to</strong> support local efforts at conflict prevention and<strong>to</strong> relieve the terrible human <strong>to</strong>ll when conflicts do break out. It can domore <strong>to</strong> support regional efforts at peacekeeping, especially in Africa.In exceptional circumstances, when governments are unable orunwilling <strong>to</strong> protect their own citizens, the international communityshould be ready <strong>to</strong> step in militarily. However, powerful countriesmust also address their own roles as drivers of conflict, whetherthrough the arms they sell or as financiers of war through thepurchase of natural resources.Just as risk and vulnerability at an individual or community leveloften require a level of social protection and safety nets <strong>to</strong> preventshocks turning in<strong>to</strong> long-term disaster, so at a global level countriesneed support, if natural disaster or conflict is not <strong>to</strong> overwhelm theirability <strong>to</strong> guarantee rights and dignity <strong>to</strong> their citizens. That supportmust be co-ordinated, based on need, and be built on robust andimpartial international institutions, particularly the UN and theInternational Criminal Court. In turn, powerful governments need <strong>to</strong>show the same vision at a global level, as the founders of welfare stateshave done in the national arena, recognising that both morality andlong-term self-interest require not only leadership, but a readiness <strong>to</strong>set aside short-term advantage and <strong>to</strong> put their own house in order onissues such as aid and the arms trade.402

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