Corporate Social Responsibility and Post-War Recovery: Models of Ethical Business Engagement
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Abstract
This article presents an interdisciplinary analysis of the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in post-conflict reconstruction processes, using the examples of three countries – Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq, and Rwanda – which experienced large-scale armed conflicts in the 1990s and 2000s. The study covers 10–15 years after the end of hostilities in each country, allowing for the tracking of long-term impacts and the effectiveness of implemented initiatives. The research aims to explain the mechanisms through which CSR contributes to social stabilisation, economic recovery, and institutional transformation in post-conflict societies.
The methodology is based on a qualitative comparative case analysis, content analysis of corporate reporting, data from international organisations (UNDP, World Bank, OECD), as well as semi-structured interviews with experts and business representatives.
The results indicate that the specifics of CSR implementation depend on institutional conditions, the availability of external assistance, the level of trust between the state and the private sector, and the priorities of the country’s reconstruction. In Bosnia, the primary focus was on reconciliation, education, and youth programmes; in Iraq, on the restoration of critical infrastructure and healthcare; in Rwanda, on digitalisation, agricultural development, and social entrepreneurship.
The novelty of the article lies in the integration of experiences from different regions and the formulation of universal conclusions regarding the adaptation of CSR to the conditions of post-war Ukraine. The document contains practical recommendations for businesses, government, and international donors on establishing public-private partnerships, supporting internally displaced persons, educational initiatives, and transparent reporting mechanisms. The article views CSR not only as a tool for social impact but also as an element of strategic management in the context of renewal, which can contribute to the creation of an ethical and sustainable economy in Ukraine.
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