Violent conflict is today more frequent than it was two decades ago and international support for peace-making ever more crucial, especially for the poorest countries. Post- war reconstruction is by no means easy, however. A recent study by Queen Elizabeth House, Oxford, examines post-war reconstruction in Nicaragua and Mozambique, asking: how does the nature of the conflict relate to private sector behaviour? Why is post-war recovery so difficult and prolonged? Does foreign aid have a positive role to play? Despite high levels of aid, reconstruction can be extremely slow. Opportunities do exist, however, to accelerate post-war growth and reduce poverty, if governments and donors prioritise the special needs of the poorest people in post-war situations.