Discussion

First explore the 2018 Human Rights Watch report on Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Somalia is a country, which has experienced continued violent conflict since the early 1990s, while the DRC is often described as one of the countries, which have suffered as result of their natural resources.
Human Rights Watch (2018): Somalia. Events of 2018
(Links to an external site.)
.https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2019/country-chapters/somalia
Human Rights Watch (2018): Democratic Republic of Congo.Events of 2018
(Links to an external site.)
https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2019/country-chapters/democratic-republic-congo
.
You are required to post both an original post and at least one response post to receive full credit.
Original post
After going through the website, pick either Somalia or the DRC as the country you are going to write your discussion post about. Your original post should be at least 150 words in length.
Briefly describe how the 2018 HRW Report assesses the situation in your country of choice.
Apply Collier’s theory on development trap to the country of your choice. If you chose Somalia, think about the conflict trap, if you chose the DRC talk about the natural resource trap. Answer the following question:
Do you think that Collier’s concept of traps is helpful in explaining why Somalia/the DRC is struggling to overcome poverty and to increase its economic development? If yes, why? If not, what do you think is missing? Develop an argument!
Draw on what you learned in the readings. You are also encouraged to bring in additional information on your country of choice, when making your argument. Tip: You can find links to additional material in this week’s PowerPoint presentation.