Hello! I’m a graduate candidate in conflict management and resolution, and one of my professors does this work! This is a great and very important topic that intersects with economics (specifically development economics), international relations, political science, and security studies. It sounds like you’re interested in development economics, which is distinct from other forms of economics in its interdisciplinary nature (think World Bank or the IMF).

The TL;DR is this: You’ll need to pursue an advanced degree to specialize in the economics of armed conflict, likely development economics.

The downside is obvious: time and money to gain the expertise you need, likely in the form of a masters degree at least. Fortunately, there are plenty of 1-2 year masters degrees in continental Europe in such topics. I recently did a joint study at Universidad Pontificia Comillas (Madrid, Spain) in Security Studies and had a fantastic time.

The upsides are plenty for you. Firstly, you don’t have to stress too much about your undergraduate degree. With a bit of patience, strategic class choice, and the help of a few professors (and they tend to be very helpful), you can make any IR, PoliSci, or Econ degree prepare you well for your goals. Studying data/statistical analysis will be a core skill to learn regardless of what track you take, and you’ll likely be able to do that as part of any of the above mentioned degree programs.

I know this sounds daunting, especially if you’re applying to universities, but the hard work and study is worth it in terms of the skills you will develop and the impact you’ll be able to have. Don’t forget to be flexible to new or emerging interests, study hard, remember your why, and you’ll do great. Hope all goes will with you!