How literal roadblocks hinder the supply chain: Rebels in war-torn countries tax local shippers to fund their operations.

Global supply chains have expanded into the developing world, bringing economic opportunities even to countries whose governments have only a tenuous hold on their territory. Contrary to the old adage that trade diminishes war, trade is driving conflict in these places because fighters are adopting a lean business model, often using only a few Kalashnikov rifles, to extort money from everything that moves down roads under their control—including vehicles working for multinational companies and aid organizations.