🤼‍♂️International Conflict Unit 3 – Conflict Causes: Territory, Ideology, Resources

Key Concepts and Definitions

• Conflict arises when two or more parties perceive their interests as incompatible and engage in actions to protect or further their interests
• Territory, ideology, and resources represent three primary causes of international conflict
• Territorial disputes involve disagreements over the control, ownership, or boundaries of land or maritime areas
• Ideological conflicts stem from clashes between different belief systems, values, or political ideologies
• Resource-based conflicts emerge when nations compete for access to or control over valuable natural resources (oil, water, minerals)
• Conflict resolution strategies encompass various approaches to managing, mitigating, or resolving international disputes (diplomacy, mediation, arbitration)
• Conflict prevention aims to address the root causes of potential conflicts and prevent them from escalating into violence

Historical Context

• International conflicts have been a persistent feature of human history, with varying causes, scales, and consequences
• Ancient and medieval conflicts often revolved around territorial expansion, religious differences, and control over trade routes (Silk Road)
• The Treaty of Westphalia (1648) established the concept of state sovereignty, which has shaped modern international relations
• Colonialism and imperialism in the 19th and early 20th centuries led to numerous territorial disputes and ideological clashes
• The Cold War (1947-1991) exemplified a global ideological conflict between capitalism and communism
• The post-Cold War era has seen a shift towards more intrastate conflicts and the emergence of new challenges (terrorism, climate change)

Territorial Disputes

• Territorial disputes arise when two or more countries claim sovereignty over the same piece of land or maritime area
• Disputes can involve borders, islands, maritime boundaries, or regions with strategic or symbolic importance
• Historical claims, ethnic ties, and nationalism often fuel territorial disputes
• Examples of territorial disputes include:
  • Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan
  • South China Sea disputes involving China, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, and other countries
  • Israeli-Palestinian conflict over the West Bank and Gaza Strip
• Territorial disputes can lead to military confrontations, diplomatic tensions, and regional instability
• International law, treaties, and arbitration mechanisms (International Court of Justice) play a role in resolving territorial disputes

Ideological Conflicts

• Ideological conflicts involve clashes between different belief systems, values, or political ideologies
• These conflicts can be driven by religious, cultural, or political differences
• Examples of ideological conflicts include:
  • The Crusades (11th-13th centuries) between Christian Europe and the Muslim Middle East
  • The Cold War between the United States (capitalism) and the Soviet Union (communism)
  • The ongoing conflict between Sunni and Shia Muslims in various parts of the Middle East
• Ideological conflicts can manifest as proxy wars, where external powers support opposing sides in a conflict
• Propaganda, media, and information warfare are often employed in ideological conflicts to shape public opinion and narratives

Resource-Based Conflicts

• Resource-based conflicts arise when nations compete for access to or control over valuable natural resources
• Oil, natural gas, water, minerals, and arable land are common sources of resource-based conflicts
• Scarcity, unequal distribution, and the economic importance of resources can fuel these conflicts
• Examples of resource-based conflicts include:
  • The Gulf War (1990-1991) triggered by Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, partly motivated by oil resources
  • Water disputes in the Middle East, such as the ongoing tension between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Nile River
  • The conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, fueled by the exploitation of mineral resources (coltan, diamonds)
• Climate change and environmental degradation can exacerbate resource-based conflicts by increasing competition for dwindling resources

Case Studies

• The Arab-Israeli conflict: A complex territorial, ideological, and resource-based conflict in the Middle East
  • Involves disputes over land, religious sites, and water resources
  • Has led to multiple wars, intifadas, and ongoing diplomatic efforts
• The Rwandan Genocide (1994): An ethnic conflict between Hutus and Tutsis that resulted in the mass killing of Tutsis
  • Rooted in historical tensions, colonial legacies, and political manipulation
  • Demonstrates the devastating consequences of unchecked ethnic hatred and the failure of international intervention
• The South China Sea disputes: A territorial and resource-based conflict involving multiple countries in East and Southeast Asia
  • Centers around overlapping claims to islands, reefs, and maritime boundaries
  • Involves the control of strategic shipping lanes and potential oil and gas reserves
  • Has led to military buildups, diplomatic tensions, and efforts to establish a code of conduct

Conflict Resolution Strategies

• Diplomacy: Negotiation and dialogue between conflicting parties to reach a peaceful settlement
  • Can involve bilateral talks, multilateral conferences, or the use of mediators
• Mediation: The intervention of a neutral third party to facilitate communication and help conflicting parties reach an agreement
  • Examples include the Camp David Accords (1978) mediated by the United States between Israel and Egypt
• Arbitration: The submission of a dispute to a neutral third party (arbitrator) for a binding decision
  • The Permanent Court of Arbitration and the International Court of Justice are examples of arbitration mechanisms
• Peacekeeping: The deployment of neutral military or civilian personnel to maintain peace and security in conflict areas
  • United Nations peacekeeping missions operate in various conflict zones worldwide
• Economic sanctions: The use of economic measures (trade embargoes, asset freezes) to pressure a country to change its behavior
  • Examples include sanctions imposed on Iran over its nuclear program and on Russia following the annexation of Crimea

Modern Implications and Future Trends

• Globalization and the increasing interconnectedness of nations have made international conflicts more complex and far-reaching
• The rise of non-state actors (terrorist groups, multinational corporations) has challenged traditional state-centric approaches to conflict resolution
• Cyberwarfare and the use of social media have emerged as new dimensions in international conflicts
  • Cyberattacks can target critical infrastructure, financial systems, and government institutions
  • Social media can be used to spread disinformation, propaganda, and extremist ideologies
• Climate change is likely to exacerbate resource-based conflicts and create new challenges (climate refugees, food insecurity)
• The international community must adapt and develop new strategies to address the evolving nature of conflicts in the 21st century
  • This may involve strengthening international institutions, promoting dialogue and cooperation, and addressing the root causes of conflicts
• Conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts will be crucial in mitigating the risks of future conflicts and promoting sustainable peace