Spagat, M, Restrepo, J and Vargas, J (2005) The Seversity of the Colombian Conflict: Cross-Country Datasets versus New Micro Data. Journal of Peace Research
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This article compares the treatment of Colombia in large cross-country conflict datasets with the information of a unique dataset on the Colombian conflict (CERAC). The big datasets display a strong tendency to record fewer killings than does CERAC. Moreover, when the big datasets provide annual time series on the conflict these figures look either erratic or flat compared to CERAC'S and often move in different directions. This article also examines the criteria of the Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) for dataset inclusion and finds them considerably more restrictive than CERAC'S. The primary differences are that UCDP generally excludes attacks purely on civilians and any activity of illegal right-wing paramilitary groups. It is argued here that these omissions impoverish our perception of many civil wars. A calculated modified series based on UCDP methodologyand CERAC raw information closes 56% of the gap between the two approaches. The remainder appears to derive mainly from a number of small events in CERAC but not UCDP, reflecting the limits of English-language coverage of Colombia, upon which UCDP data is based. The gap with other big datasets is also closed. The dynamic of the lower-bound USDP curve clearly resemble the modified CERAC curve so UCDP does reasonably well on its own terms. A brief Nothern Ireland case study is consistent with our Colombia conclusions. The article concludes with a recommendation for conflict researchers to prioritize the construction of more micro datasets that will facilitate detailed studies of conflict intensity and its dynamics.
This is a Submitted version This version's date is: 9/2005 This item is not peer reviewed
https://repository.royalholloway.ac.uk/items/286da588-2fbb-4c31-a65a-14b578fb98db/8/
Deposited by Research Information System (atira) on 18-Nov-2014 in Royal Holloway Research Online.Last modified on 18-Nov-2014
Adrian - I tried to find this article, but it seems as if it's still unpublished. - Erin