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The Debate Generated by the "Shrinking Costs of War"

14 Apr 2010

The release of the "Shrinking Costs of War" at the UN, and the subsequent coverage of its findings in the media and blogosphere, has generated a spirited debate in the research, humanitarian, and policy communities.

Much of the debate has focused on the Human Security Report Project’s (HSRP) claim that the International Rescue Committee’s (IRC) much-cited estimate that some 5.4 million people have died in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as a consequence of the war is far too high. The HSRP’s finding that the under-five mortality rates decline during most conflicts has also been challenged.

The IRC, and Dr. Les Roberts, an epidemiologist who led the IRC's first two surveys in the DRC, each released widely-circulated critiques of the "Shrinking Costs of War". The HSRP's response to these critiques is in two parts. First, is a non-technical "Overview of the Debate" that addresses the main points of contention. Second, are detailed responses to particular criticisms raised by the IRC and Roberts. The texts of these critiques are included in the HSRP’s detailed responses.

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