Extreme poverty, unfair distribution of wealth, a lack of resources and an exclusion of any kind rise the possibility for conflict in every society. Inadequate state institutions as instruments to steer the balancing of economic and social interests are factors which exacerbate the tendency of a society to engage in conflicts. Their significance particularly tends to increase during times of political, social and economic upheaval. Long-term development co-operation aims to remove these structural causes of conflicts. The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung makes substantial contributions towards this via its work on social policy. Especially through its socio-political work with trade unions and progressive civil society or political forces, the FES contributes to reducing such conflicts.