Too Partial to Work? Informal Institutions in the Midst of Climate Change and Armed Conflict in Central Mali

Abstract

In situations characterized by armed conflict and climate change, can informal institutions resolve conflict around shrinking resources? It is widely acknowledged that low state capacity increases the likelihood of violence in the context of climate change (Mach et al. 2019). In such context, informal institutions should play a crucial role in preventing and mitigating violence in the absence of formal institutions. However, little is known of the characteristics of these informal institutions and most studies examine them in isolation from national contexts and actors. This paper seeks to address this gap and argues that impartiality is essential for the ability of informal institutions to resolve resource-based conflict and prevent violence escalation. However, when institutions are partial, because of co-option by the state or other external actors, their decisions may further increase communal violence and prolonging civil conflict. Partial institutions can encourage people to take justice into their own hands, and push individuals to join rebel groups offering more favorable options in redressing grievances. This theoretical argument is supported by a case study on central Mali, where partial informal institutions have led to increased violence in the region.

Keywords: Armed Conflict, Climate Change, Informal Institution, Mali