Security fragility in developing countries: Do ICT matter?

Abstract

Information and Communication Technologies in developing countries have increased considerably over the past three decades and fuel extremely plentiful literature. This article aims to assess the effects of Information and Communication Technologies on the security fragility observed. Thus, starting from the different dimensions of security fragility (internal conflicts, external conflicts), we specify and estimate a dynamic panel data model of a sample of 101 developing countries by the System Generalized Method of Moments over the period 1996–2019. Two main results emerge. Firstly, Information and Communication Technologies significantly reduce internal conflicts and external conflicts in developing countries. Controlled by two complementary measures of Information and Communication Technologies (quality and quantity), our results remain stable and robust. Secondly, the results of the mediation analysis show that the effect of Information and Communication Technologies on security fragility is mediated by financial development and remittances. We suggest, in addition to the quantitative and qualitative amelioration of the telecommunication infrastructures, the strengthening regulatory framework for the use of ICTs and the optimist promotion of a digital culture to mitigate intra- and inter-state conflicts.