How can civil wars harm the economies of neighboring countries?

Civil wars can significantly harm the economies of neighboring countries, as the negative consequences of such conflicts often extend beyond the borders of the state experiencing the violence.1

Neighboring nations may suffer from the following economic and security impacts:

• Economic Disruption: Civil wars frequently disrupt regional trade and investment, which can hinder the economic growth of nearby states.1
• Increased Risk of Violence: The presence of conflict in a neighboring state can facilitate violent mobilization within a country. This may occur through the emulation of successful rebellion or the direct cross-border movement of arms and combatants.2
• Regional Instability: Civil wars can promote military conflict between states, often triggered by border violations or the support of insurgent groups by rival governments.2

Ultimately, because civil wars are often long-lasting and prone to recurrence, they create a volatile environment that can destabilize the broader region, making neighboring countries more prone to their own cycles of violence.1