CHAPTER 4 CASE STUDIES + EXTRA CONTENT: PEACE AND CONFLICT Flashcards
Religious Perspectives
- Christianity: Promotes peace through love, forgiveness, and reconciliation,
drawing from the teachings of Jesus Christ. Peacebuilding is often seen as
part of a moral and spiritual duty. - Islam: Emphasises comprehensive peace — personal, communal, and
political, grounded in the principles of justice (Adl) and beneficence (Ihsan). - Buddhism: Views peace as starting from within each individual, stressing
mindfulness and compassion. Peace in the Buddhist context transcends mere
absence of conflict, incorporating the idea of a peaceful mind and peaceful
society.
Feminist Interpretations of Peace
- Feminism questions the traditional, often patriarchal, views of peace, arguing
for more inclusive and representative definitions. - Peace is not just the absence of war, but also the presence of conditions like
gender equality, justice, and freedom from oppression. - Feminist scholars point out that women and children are disproportionately
affected by conflict, and their experiences and voices should shape
peacebuilding. - Influence: These perspectives have influenced international policies, including
UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which addresses the impact of war on
women and the importance of their participation in peace processes.
Greed Driven Conflict
- A focus on material interests, often involving economic gains, territorial
control, and resource exploitation. - A disregard for ethical or moral constraints, where the pursuit of self-interest
takes precedence. - In such conflicts, parties may engage in actions that prioritize their
own material well-being, regardless of the broader societal or ethical
implications. - Examples of greed-driven conflicts include territorial disputes,
resource wars, and economic rivalries.
Grievance Driven Conflict
- The presence of historical, social, political, or economic grievances, which
often go unresolved over extended periods. - A strong sense of injustice, oppression, or discrimination, which fuels the
conflict and drives individuals or groups to seek redress - parties perceive themselves as victims of systemic injustice and may
mobilize to address these grievances. These conflicts are often
characterized by social unrest, protests, and resistance movements.
Application of Greed and Grievances in Conflict Analysis
- Conflict dynamics frequently change, with conflicts transitioning from
greed-driven to grievance-driven, or vice versa. Recognizing these shifts is
critical in crafting effective conflict resolution strategies. - Addressing the root causes of both greed and grievance is fundamental to
conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts. These may include economic
development initiatives, measures to address historical injustices, or
diplomatic negotiations.
Greed and Grievance Conflict: Columbia(FARC)
- Greed: The FARC’s involvement in the illegal drug trade illustrates a stark
manifestation of the greed-driven aspect of the conflict. By controlling drug
production and distribution networks, the FARC secures a substantial source
of revenue and power. This financial gain sustains their operations and
contributes to their influence. - Grievance: Grievances related to land reform, social injustice, and
government oppression have driven communities to support the FARC and
other rebel groups. These grievances are fueled by historical injustices,
creating a fertile ground for opposition and resistance
Role of Education and Culture in Positive Peace
- Education for Peace: Education systems that promote understanding,
tolerance, and critical thinking are crucial in cultivating peace. - Cultural Diversity and Respect: Respect for diversity and multiculturalism can
decrease tension and foster social harmony.
Key Elements of Positive Peace
- Economic and social justice: addressing inequality, social welfare
- Political Inclusion and participation: democratic governance, participation and
accountability - Sustainable development and environmental care: resource
management(Equitable) and climate action
Common Challenges in Achieving Positive Peace
- Structural challenges: ingrained injustices(Take time to address), systemic
changes(also, take time, and may be impossible to address) - Measurement and evaluation: assessment difficulties(subjective in nature),
indicators and metrics(are essential, but not perfect)
Structural Violence Example: Gender Inequality
- Context: Globally, women and non-binary individuals often face institutional
barriers. Talk about Iran or Saudi Arabia. - Manifestation: This may be seen in wage gaps, underrepresentation in
leadership roles, and inadequate legal protections. - Outcome: These issues reinforce traditional gender roles and limit overall
societal progress.
The Cycle of Structural Violence
- Perpetuation in Societies: it becomes normalised, institutionalised, and has a
lack of visibility - Impedes peace: undermines social stability, fosters conflict
- Sustains conflict: justifies direct violence, leads to a cycle of retaliation
Possible Responses to Structural Violence
- Policy intervention: legal reforms and resources redistribution
- Societal Changes: building awareness and advocacy and creating cultural
shifts - International Cooperation: aid and development and human rights advocacy
Structural Violence Example: Racial Inequality
- Context: In many countries, racial minorities face systemic barriers in various
aspects of life. USA in particular. - Manifestation: These barriers manifest in forms like higher unemployment
rates, poor healthcare outcomes, and disproportionate incarceration rates
among racial minorities. - Outcome: Such systemic disadvantages perpetuate cycles of poverty and
marginalisation.
Sociological Theories of Structural Violence
- Conflict Theory: Views social structures as inherently unequal, based on
power dynamics that favour dominant groups. - Symbolic Interactionism: Examines how social norms and values sustain
structural inequalities.
Territorial Conflict: Russian Annexation of Crimea
- Russia annexed Crimea in March 2014, following the Ukrainian Revolution.
- Motivations: Strategic: Control over the Black Sea and its naval fleet stationed
at Sevastopol. Cultural-Historical: Crimea’s long association with Russia,
being part of Russia until 1954. Political: Demonstrating Russia’s regional
dominance and countering Western influence in Ukraine. - Global Implications: Western Sanctions: Led to significant economic sanctions
from the EU, USA, and others. Security Tensions: Increased NATO presence
in Eastern Europe and a rekindling of Cold War-type rhetorics.
Psychology Theories of Structural Violence
- Cognitive Biases: Explores how societal biases and stereotypes contribute to
institutionalised discrimination. - Mental Health Impact: Studies the psychological effect of living in a society
marked by structural violence
Territorial Conflict: Russia Ukraine War
- Dynamics: Support for pro-Russian separatists in the Donbas region.
- Motivations: Buffer against NATO, protecting Russian-speaking minorities,
historical ties. - Impact: Ongoing conflict causing thousands of deaths, massive displacement,
and heightened global tensions.
Territorial Conflict: South China Sea Dispute
- Geographic and economic significance: Strategic Location: Crucial for
international maritime trade, linking the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Resource
Rich: Hosts vast fisheries and is believed to hold substantial oil and gas
reserves - Claimants: Major Claimants: Include China, the Philippines, Vietnam,
Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. China’s Nine-Dash Line: Asserts historical
rights over most of the sea, conflicting with other nations’ claims and violating
UNCLOS principles. - Recent developments and tensions: Chinese Activities: Construction of
artificial islands, installation of military bases. International Response: Legal
challenges, particularly by the Philippines; U.S. naval patrols; regional
diplomatic efforts. - Global Implications: Potential for Conflict: Actions by China seen as
militarisation, raising fears of direct confrontations.International Law and
Maritime Security: Challenges to the freedom of navigation and overflight
rights; undermining the UNCLOS framework. Wider Geostrategic Implications:
Becomes a stage for U.S.-China rivalry; impacts ASEAN unity and regional
order.
General Motivations Behind Territorial Conflicts
- Historical and cultural claims Deep-rooted Histories: Often involve
centuries-old borders and cultural links to the land. National Identity:
Territories can be symbolic of national pride and heritage. - Strategic importance: Military Advantages: Control over territories can offer
significant military or geostrategic advantages. Economic Resources:
Territories rich in resources like minerals, oil, or natural gas are particularly
contested. - Nationalism and Political Strategy: Domestic Politics: Leaders might stoke
nationalist sentiments or use territorial claims to divert attention from internal
issues. Electoral Incentives: Territorial claims can be used to rally public
support during political or economic crises. - Economic Resources: Direct Access: Control over territories ensures direct
access to their natural resources. Trade Routes: Significant for controlling
major maritime trade paths and chokepoints.
Economic Interests in Conflict:
- Economic interests drive conflict when parties compete for resources,
market dominance, and economic control. Such disputes can occur
over a variety of issues including but not limited to resources, trade
policies, and foreign investments. - Resource Allocation: Nations or corporations may conflict over access to natural
resources like oil, minerals, or water. The desire to control these resources can lead
to both local and international disputes. - Trade Disputes: Issues arise from practices like protectionism, imposing tariffs, and
creating trade barriers. Such disputes can escalate to trade wars affecting global
markets. - Foreign Investment Conflicts: Occur when there’s a clash over foreign direct
investments, often influenced by concerns over national security or economic
dependence.
Global Implications of Territorial Conflicts:
- International relations: diplomatic strains, global power dynamic shifts
- Security and Regional Stability: refugee flows and humanitarian crises, arms races
- International law and governance: challenges rule of law, requires UN and IGOs
- Economic effects: trade disruptions, investment and development
Economic Interests in Conflict: weapon sales, global arms trade
- Global Arms trade: Driven by profit, strategic influence, or geopolitical alliances
this activity may lead to regional arms races, heightened tensions, and
conflicts. - Controversies and consequences: US companies selling weapons to
Myanmar, sales to place with poor human rights records. There is an ethical
and political debate about if the profit, is worth the risks.
Political Interests in conflict
- Political conflicts stem from struggles over governance, power,
territorial control, and political ideologies. - Election Disputes: Such as conflicts following allegations of election
fraud, voter suppression, or manipulation. - Governance Conflicts: Disagreements over control of government
institutions, policy direction, or corruption. - E.g. Territorial disputes(overlap with territoral conflict) e.g. south
china sea
Social Interests in conflict
- Social conflicts arise around the aspirations, needs, and identities of
social groups. These often involve issues of rights, representation,
and social justice. - Labour Disputes: Including conflicts over wages, working conditions,
and employees’ rights. - Group Rights: Conflicts where ethnic, religious, or other social groups
seek recognition, rights, and autonomy.
Social Interests in conflict: workplace disputes
- Causes: Often related to unfair labour practices, pay discrepancies, and lack
of workers’ representation. - Resolution: Can involve negotiations, legal action, strikes, or even
international advocacy - Example: Movements like the Fight for $15 campaign can influence broader
social policies and international labour standards.
Crosscutting themes in interest based conflicts
- Conflicts rarely exist in isolation and often intertwine economic, political, and
social factors. - The arms trade, for instance, impacts political alliances and can ignite social
unrest. - Global interconnectedness means local conflicts can have worldwide
implications, especially in economically linked issues. - Economic conflicts can disrupt global supply chains, influencing international
economic stability and relations.
Managing and Resolving interest based conflict
- Role of IGOs and agreements: Organisations such as the WTO, IMF, and
World Bank help manage and mitigate economic conflicts through policy
frameworks and interventions. International treaties and agreements address
conflicts over global issues like environmental conservation, climate change,
and resource management. - Diplomacy and negotiation: Diplomacy is a crucial tool in resolving political
and social conflicts, often through bilateral or multilateral discussions.
International mediation and dialogue, facilitated by organisations like the UN,
play a significant role in peaceful conflict resolution. - Influence of Non state actors: Non-governmental organisations (NGOs),
multinational corporations (MNCs), and other non-state actors increasingly
impact interest-based conflicts by offering unique resources, perspectives,
and solutions.
Ideological conflict:
- Ideological Conflict: Involves disputes originating from opposing sets of
beliefs, values, or ideologies. - Characteristics: Deep-rooted, extensive, and often emotional; difficult to
resolve due to their entwinement with personal and collective identities - E.g Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Represents a blend of territorial, religious, and
cultural ideological clashes.
Political Ideologies in conflict:
- Political Ideology: A system of beliefs outlining how a society should operate,
influencing governance, policy, and social structure. - Arab Spring (2010-Present): Triggered by demands for democratic reforms,
impacting several Arab countries with varying outcomes, from regime
changes to civil wars
Economic ideologies in conflict:
- Economic Ideology: Shapes views on economic policy and management,
including capitalism, socialism, and mixed economies. - Globalisation vs Economic Nationalism: Involves debates between advocates
of global free trade and supporters of protective tariffs and national industries. - Capitalism vs Socialism: Central to political discourse, affecting debates on
social welfare, public services, and wealth redistribution.
Religious Ideologies in conflict:
- Religious Ideologies: The belief systems of different religions can significantly
influence social norms, laws, and international politics. - Sunni vs Shia: Predominantly seen in Middle Eastern geopolitical dynamics,
influencing regional politics, alliances, and conflicts.
Cultural Ideologies in Conflict
- Cultural Ideology: Involves the collective beliefs and values expressed
through cultural practices, affecting societal behavior and policies. - Western vs Non-Western Ideologies: Differences in perceptions of democracy,
human rights, and secularism. - Traditional vs Modern Values: Tensions arise over evolving societal norms,
including gender roles and sexual orientation rights.
The Israeli Palestinian Conflict: Ideological factors in conflict
- A complex conflict influenced by a mix of historical claims, territorial disputes,
and religious and cultural differences. - Jewish historical and biblical connections to the land.
- Palestinian aspirations for nationhood and resistance to perceived occupation.
- Religious significance to Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.
The rise of populism in western societies
- Characterised by a shift towards right-wing ideologies, challenging
established liberal and globalist perspectives. - Influenced by: Economic dissatisfaction, particularly post-2008 financial crisis.
Identity politics, centring on national identity and immigration. Scepticism
towards the perceived failures of globalisation and multilateral institutions
Impacts of Ideological Conflict
- On domestic policies: Directly influences a country’s internal policies,
especially in areas of civil rights, national security, and education, where
ideological divisions are pronounced. - On International relations: Ideological differences often dictate foreign policy,
influencing diplomatic relations, trade, and global strategic alliances. Can be a
primary factor in conflicts, contributing to international unrest and military
engagements. - On society: Contributes to societal polarisation, potentially leading to protest
movements or internal conflict. Shapes national narratives, public opinion, and
even educational curricula, affecting how history and current events are
perceived and taught.
Identity Based Conflict
- Identity conflicts often arise from complex historical, social, and
political contexts, where perceived threats to a group’s existence or
values are paramount. - Historical Roots: These conflicts frequently have deep historical origins,
including colonial legacies, historical injustices, and long-standing ethnic or
religious rivalries. - Social and Cultural Factors: Differences in language, religion, and cultural
practices can be significant conflict sources, especially where policies or
social changes appear to challenge or undermine these identity markers. - Political and Economic Inequalities: Such disputes can also stem from
situations where particular identity groups feel excluded from political
decision-making or economic benefits.
Indigenous populations and conflict
- Land rights and territorial disputes: Historical Context: Indigenous populations
have frequently faced dispossession and marginalisation from ancestral
lands, which continue to affect relations with state authorities and private
entities. Contemporary Issues: Modern-day conflicts often arise due to
governmental or corporate encroachments for resource extraction or
development, infringing on indigenous land rights and livelihoods. - Cultural Rights and preservation: Language and Education: Struggles around
preserving indigenous languages and accessing culturally relevant education
are a frequent flashpoint. Cultural Practices: Governmental or societal
restrictions on traditional practices lead to tensions, emphasizing the need for
cultural sensitivity and the right to cultural expression. - Political Representation and autonomy: Self-Determination: The pursuit of
political representation and self-governance is a key element in many
indigenous identity conflicts. Legal and Policy Frameworks: Global
frameworks like the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples (UNDRIP) provide benchmarks for these rights, influencing national
policies and identity-based disputes.
Complex Dynamics in ethnically diverse states
- Managing diversity: Policies and Integration: How a state manages ethnic
diversity (through policies like multiculturalism, assimilation, or segregation)
profoundly affects social harmony and potential conflicts. Socio-Economic
Integration: Disparities in employment, education, and wealth distribution
among various ethnic groups can exacerbate tensions and lead to conflict. - National Identity and inclusion: Constructing a National Identity: Debates
around the definition of national identity can either foster a sense of belonging
or alienate minority groups. Citizenship Laws and Rights: The framing of
citizenship and rights can be pivotal in either unifying a nation or deepening
divisions based on identity. - Conflict and violence: Communal Violence: When ethnic, religious, or cultural
competition for resources, political influence, or cultural dominance escalates,
it can lead to communal violence and widespread disturbances. Role of
Institutions: The effectiveness of state institutions in managing diversity and
addressing grievances influences whether these conflicts are mitigated or
intensified.
Identity Based Conflict: The Rohingya Crisis in Myanmar
- Ethnic and Religious Dimensions: The predominantly Muslim Rohingya,
residing in a majority Buddhist country, have faced intense persecution and
discrimination, culminating in accusations of ethnic cleansing and genocide. - Statelessness and Rights: Myanmar’s denial of citizenship rights to the
Rohingya illustrates how governmental policies can amplify identity conflicts,
leading to international humanitarian crises
Identity Based Conflict: Kurdish people
- Cross-Border Ethnicity: The Kurdish population, spread across Turkey, Iraq,
Syria, and Iran, has persistently sought greater autonomy and recognition,
often clashing with central governments. - Impact on Regional Politics: The Kurdish struggle intersects with broader
regional dynamics, including territorial integrity issues, national security
concerns, and international diplomacy.
Identity Based Conflict: The Catalan Independence Movement in Spain
- Cultural and Linguistic Identity: The distinct cultural and linguistic identity of
Catalans has fuelled desires for independence or greater autonomy from
Spain, leading to significant political and social strife. - Political Responses: The Spanish government’s response, including legal and
police action against independence proponents, exemplifies the challenges in
resolving identity conflicts within democratic, integrated states.
Just war Theory: Contemporary
Philosophical Perspectives
- Relevance in Asymmetric Warfare: Traditional Just War Theory doesn’t fully
address conflicts involving non-state actors like terrorist groups. - Technological Advancements: Drones and cyber warfare introduce new
challenges in ensuring discrimination and proportionality. - Cultural Bias: Critics argue that Just War Theory might reflect a Western
ethical bias, not universally applicable or accepted.
Critiques and Challenges of Just War Theory
- Relevance in Asymmetric Warfare: Traditional Just War Theory doesn’t fully
address conflicts involving non-state actors like terrorist groups. - Technological Advancements: Drones and cyber warfare introduce new
challenges in ensuring discrimination and proportionality. - Cultural Bias: Critics argue that Just War Theory might reflect a Western
ethical bias, not universally applicable or accepted.
Humanitarian Intervention
- Humanitarian intervention is generally characterised as the
employment of military force by one or several nations to prevent or
cease gross human rights violations in another nation. - Criteria for Intervention: For an intervention to be considered ‘humanitarian’,
its primary goal should be civilian protection. Often, non-military actions such
as sanctions or diplomatic efforts are initially undertaken. - Consent and Legitimacy: The legitimacy of an intervention often hinges on
whether it has the backing of the international community, usually through the
United Nations (UN), or a significant number of countries.
Justifications for Humanitarian intervention
- Responsibility to Protect (R2P): Emerged from the 2005 UN World Summit,
where world leaders agreed to the principle that when national governments
fail to safeguard their citizens from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, or
crimes against humanity, the international community has a responsibility to
protect. - Preventing Genocide and Mass Atrocities: The ethical argument often hinges
on the necessity to prevent mass atrocities. Historical instances like the
Rwandan Genocide have been cited as examples where intervention might
have prevented mass slaughter.
Criticisms and controversies of humanitarian intervention
- Violation of Sovereignty: Critics argue that humanitarian interventions are
often a violation of the principles of state sovereignty and non-interference,
essential pillars of the international system. - Hidden Agendas: There is concern that states might use humanitarian
justifications to pursue broader geopolitical or economic interests. - Unintended Consequences: Even well-intentioned interventions can lead to
long-lasting conflicts, instability, and sometimes worsen the humanitarian
situation they intended to ameliorate.
Libya(2011) Responsibility to Protect
- The intervention in Libya, authorised by the UN Security Council, was
initially hailed as a successful application of the R2P principle.
However, the subsequent collapse of Libya into chaos and civil war
raised questions about the long-term planning and objectives of
humanitarian interventions.
Evaluating Outcomes of Humanitarian Intervention
- Success Metrics: The effectiveness of humanitarian interventions is not only
in stopping immediate violence but also in ensuring long-term stability,
rebuilding efforts, and preventing future conflicts. - Impact Assessment: The long-term social, political, and economic impacts in
the intervened regions are critical for a comprehensive evaluation.
The role of IGOs in evaluating outcomes of humanitarian intervention
- United Nations: The UN’s role in authorising, condemning, or questioning
interventions is crucial in determining their legitimacy and effectiveness. - Regional Organisations: Bodies like NATO, the African Union, and the
European Union influence humanitarian interventions through their support,
advocacy, and operational roles.
Future Directions of Humanitarian intervention
- Normative Shifts: The global consensus on humanitarian intervention and the
balance between human rights and sovereignty continues to evolve,
particularly as new international crises emerge. - Technological Advancements: Modern warfare technology, including cyber
capabilities and unmanned systems, is changing the nature of interventions
and posing new ethical and tactical questions
Culturally Condoned Violence
- Culturally Condoned Violence: Acts of violence endorsed or accepted by a
society due to deep-rooted cultural, religious, or traditional beliefs. - Common Examples: These include honour killings, female genital mutilation
(FGM), forced marriages, witch hunts, and certain forms of religious or tribal
warfare
Cultural and Religious Justifications
- Tradition and Honour: Many societies view family honour as paramount,
sometimes leading to honour killings to redeem perceived loss of honour due
to actions like adultery, refusal of an arranged marriage, or even victimhood of
sexual assault. - Religious Doctrine: Certain groups use religious texts to justify violence, often
picking historical or contextual interpretations that support their stance. - Social Control: Methods of maintaining societal control or enforcing social
norms, particularly against subjugated groups such as women, LGBTQ+
individuals, and religious or ethnic minorities, can also involve violence.
International Response and Critiques
- Human Rights Perspective: International Human Rights Norms: Many
practices of culturally condoned violence breach international human rights
standards as per declarations like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Global Campaigns and Treaties: Various international treaties and campaigns
by organisations such as the United Nations, WHO, and Amnesty
International aim to combat these practices. - Challenges in addressing cultural condoned violence: Cultural Relativism:
This philosophy argues that one cannot judge the cultural practices of another
group by one’s own cultural standards, posing significant challenges in
addressing these issues on a global scale.Sovereignty and Non-Intervention:
Balancing respect for national sovereignty with the need to prevent grave
human rights abuses remains a significant international relations challenge. - International actions and policies: Diplomatic Measures: Governments and
international organisations often use diplomatic channels to exert pressure for
change, though this can be delicate and controversial. Conditional Aid:
Western countries and international organisations sometimes link financial aid
to human rights improvements, including the cessation of certain violent
cultural practices.
Positions-Interests-Needs Framework
- The Positions-Interests-Needs framework is another valuable tool for
analyzing conflicts. It focuses on the motivations and underlying
factors that drive conflicting parties. - Positions: Positions are the explicit demands, claims, or stances taken
by the parties involved. In this section, we will explore the concept of
positions in conflicts and how they impact the dynamics and potential
resolutions. Positions are often characterized by their inflexibility.
Parties may hold steadfast to their positions, making negotiations and
compromise challenging. The rigidity of positions can lead to
prolonged conflicts, as parties are unwilling to make concessions.
Positions are typically accompanied by stated demands, which
outline what each party wants to achieve. These demands are often
the starting point for negotiations. Understanding the underlying
motivations behind these demands is crucial for conflict resolution. - Interests: Interests delve deeper into the motivations behind
positions. This section will explore the concept of interests and how
they provide a more comprehensive understanding of the parties’
motivations in conflicts. Compared to positions, interests are more
flexible and amenable to negotiation. Parties may be willing to adjust
their interests to reach a mutually acceptable solution. Recognizing
shared interests can be a foundation for conflict resolution. Identifying
common interests between conflicting parties is a crucial step in
conflict resolution. When parties discover shared interests, it creates
opportunities for collaboration and compromise. For example, in a
labor-management conflict, both sides may have an interest in a
productive and stable workplace. - Needs: Needs are the fundamental, underlying concerns that drive
both positions and interests. In this section, we will explore the
concept of needs and their significance in understanding conflicts.
Needs often relate to basic human needs, such as safety, dignity, or
justice. Recognizing and addressing these fundamental needs is vital
for conflict resolution. Failure to address these needs can lead to
ongoing resentment and unrest. In conflict resolution, addressing
unmet needs is a key strategy for achieving a lasting solution. Parties
may be more willing to compromise and cooperate when their core
needs are acknowledged and addressed. Resolving underlying
needs can lead to sustainable peace. The Positions-Interests-Needs
framework encourages parties to look beyond their stated positions
and focus on their underlying interests and needs. By doing so, it
opens avenues for creative and mutually beneficial solutions, leading
to more sustainable conflict resolution.
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict,
Positions-Interests-Needs Framework
- Positions: Israel’s position includes demands for security and international
recognition. On the other hand, Palestinians demand statehood, sovereignty,
and the right of return for refugees. These positions have historically been
rigid, contributing to the protracted nature of the conflict. - Interests: Both parties have interests in peace, stability, and economic
prosperity. Additionally, they share an interest in addressing the well-being
and security of their populations. Recognizing these common interests is
crucial for the conflict’s resolution. - Needs: The underlying needs in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict relate to
fundamental human needs, including safety, dignity, self-determination, and
justice. Unaddressed needs have fueled ongoing tensions and violence in the
region.
Kashmir Conflict: Territorial Control and Material Interest
- Territorial Control: Kashmir is a region in South Asia, primarily divided
between India, Pakistan, and China. The dispute revolves around the
control of this strategically located region. - Material Interest: The control of Kashmir offers strategic advantages,
access to important water resources, and regional influence. Both
India and Pakistan have strategic and material interests in
maintaining control over parts of Kashmir.
The Shifting Landscape of Territorial and
Material Interests:
- Resource scarcity, driven by factors such as climate change and
population growth, is an emerging trend that is expected to impact
territorial control and material interests. E.g. water scarcity and new
arctic resources - Cyberwarfare: The digital realm introduces a new dimension to
territorial control and material interests, as conflicts can emerge from
attempts to control the digital domain. E.g. digital territorial control,
Resource Scarcity: A Catalyst for Conflict
- Types of Resources: Resource scarcity can pertain to various
essential resources, including water, arable land, minerals, energy
sources, and more. In regions heavily dependent on a specific
resource, scarcity of that resource can trigger conflicts. - Case Study: Water Conflict in the Middle East: The competition for
limited freshwater resources in the Middle East, particularly along the
Tigris-Euphrates river system, has been a long-standing source of
tension between nations in the region. The struggle for water rights
has created a backdrop for regional instability and conflicts. - Economic Implications: Resource scarcity can disrupt economies,
leading to socio-economic instability and creating fertile ground for
conflicts. This is especially pertinent in regions where industries are
heavily reliant on the scarce resource in question. - Economic Inequity: Scarce resources often result in economic inequality, as
those who can control or exploit the resources gain a significant advantage.
This inequality can breed resentment and conflict, as marginalized groups
seek to address their grievances. - Environmental Degradation: Over-exploitation of scarce resources can lead to
environmental degradation, compounding the problems by affecting the
livelihoods of those dependent on these resources. This can trigger disputes
and conflicts as communities and nations seek to protect their environments.
The Intersection of Resource Scarcity and
Ideology
- Resource Scarcity Amplifying Ideological Differences: When resources
become scarcer due to factors like climate change, mismanagement, or
population growth, it can intensify ideological divides. Nations or groups may
resort to extreme measures to secure these dwindling resources, further
exacerbating tensions. - Case Study: Darfur Conflict: In Darfur, Sudan, resource scarcity, particularly
water and arable land, aggravated ethnic and political tensions. This complex
web of issues eventually led to one of the most significant conflicts in recent
history. This case underscores the destructive potential of the intersection
between resource scarcity and ideology. - Ideological Justification for Resource Acquisition: Ideology can be used to
justify resource acquisition and expansionist policies. Nations may frame their
actions as necessary for the survival and prosperity of their ideology, leading
to territorial disputes and even armed conflicts
Perceived Threats of Conflict
- Perceived threats to identity can manifest in various forms, and their
impact on conflicts should not be underestimated. - Cultural Threats: These involve attempts to suppress or replace a
specific culture, language, or heritage. For example, the suppression
of Tibetan culture by the Chinese government has sparked
international tension. - Religious Threats: Conflicts often emerge when religious practices or
beliefs are threatened. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is influenced by
religious elements, as both parties consider the Holy Land integral to
their faiths. - Ethnic and National Threats: Disputes related to ethnicity and
nationality can escalate when individuals or groups perceive that their
ethnic or national identities are under threat. The Kurdish conflict, for
instance, is rooted in the desire for autonomy and the preservation of
Kurdish identity.
Skewed Perceptions
- Cognitive Biases: confirmation bias and group think
- Perceptions of threat: miscommunication, perception of military
build-up(creates arms race)
Interaction Between Identity and Perception
- Reinforcement: Threatened identity and skewed perceptions often
reinforce each other. When identity is perceived to be at risk,
cognitive biases can intensify, causing individuals or groups to
interpret actions and intentions more negatively than they might in
other circumstances. This cycle of reinforcement can significantly
escalate conflicts. - Escalation: The combination of threatened identity and skewed
perceptions can escalate conflicts beyond resolution. Parties become
entrenched in their positions, and diplomatic solutions become
increasingly challenging. Escalation is particularly likely when identity
is deeply rooted in cultural, religious, or ethnic factors.
Primary Party: State Actor
- Motivations: national security, territorial integrity, resources acquisition
- Methods of engagement: diplomatic agreement, military action
Primary party: Non-state actors
- Motiviations, Political, economic and social change and self determination
- Methods of engagement: Insurgency and guerilla warfare and terrorism
- A notable example is Farc
Secondary Party: International Organizations
- Motivations: Peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, conflict resolution
- Methods of engagement: diplomacy and peacekeeping forces
Non Violent Conflict: Demonstrations
- Public displays of group sentiment, usually in opposition to a specific idea,
policy, or regime. - Forms: Marches and Rallies: Organised walks or gatherings to demonstrate
solidarity and support for a cause. Sit-ins and Picketing: Non-violent
occupation of a space or forming lines to display protest. - Effectiveness: Publicity and Media Coverage: Demonstrations often attract
considerable media attention, amplifying the protesters’ message. Pressure
on Authorities: Large-scale participation can pressurise governments and
institutions to address the demands or grievances raised.
Non-Violent Conflict: Civil Disobedience
- Civil disobedience involves the intentional and non-violent refusal to comply
with certain laws, demands, or orders from a government or occupying power. - Characteristics: Non-violent Nature: Emphasis on avoiding physical harm to
others. Conscientious and Deliberate: Based on moral objections to particular
legal provisions or government actions. Public: Unlike covert resistance, civil
disobedience is performed openly, often attracting media coverage and public
attention. - Key Theororists: Henry David Thoreau: His essay “Civil Disobedience” (1849)
argues that individuals should not permit governments to overrule their
consciences. - Martin Luther King Jr.: Influenced by Gandhi, King advocated for non-violent
civil disobedience as an instrument of social change.
Secondary Party: Transnational Corporations
- Motivations: Resources acquisition and profit 2
- Methods of engagement: Lobbying, economic influence, resource acquisition
- The involvement of Shell, a major oil corporation, in the Niger Delta conflict
highlights how economic interests of TNCs intersect with conflicts over
resources.
Role of Demonstrations and Civil Disobedience in Political and Social CHange
- Public Awareness and Opinion: Illuminate issues and sway public sentiment.
- Mobilisation: Galvanise support across different sections of society, creating a
collective force. - Policy Impact: Can lead to significant policy shifts or the enactment of new
legislation.
Evaluating Demonstrations and Civil Disobedience
- Ethics and philosophy: legitimacy of the action, effectiveness
- Potential for Escelation: risk of radicalisation and state induced-violence
Impact of violent protests and guerrilla movements on societies
- Social Disruption: casualties and human suffering, social divisions
- Economic consequences: long-term poverty, economic devestation(e.g.
Infrastructure destroyed in guerrilla movements)
Challenges to resolving Violent Protests and Guerrilla movements:
- Ceasefires and Peace Negotiations: Once violence has become
entrenched, achieving ceasefires and initiating peace negotiations
becomes increasingly challenging. Factions on both sides may have
vested interests in perpetuating the conflict, making compromise
difficult to reach. - Post-Conflict Reconstruction: Rebuilding societies torn apart by
violent conflict is a Herculean task. Infrastructure must be rebuilt,
social divisions reconciled, and institutions strengthened.
International support and aid are often crucial in these efforts
Political Consequences of violent protests and guerrilla movements
- Regime change: toppling governments(e.g. Arab spring), more stable
transitional governments - International effects: Neighboring countries are often effected, many time
IGOs and NGOs must get involved to facilitate peace. There is often human
rights abuses within these conflicts that must be addressed internationally
Root Causes of Terrorism and Genocide
- Socioeconomic factors: poverty and inequality and marginalisation
- Ideological factors: extremist ideologies
The role of education in preventing terrorism and genocide
- Preventive Measures: The critical importance of education in promoting
human rights, empathy, and historical awareness to prevent future instances
of terrorism and genocide. - Educational Initiatives: Discuss initiatives like peace education, multicultural
education, and the teaching of critical thinking skills to challenge hatred and
fanaticism.
Types of third party involvement in conflict
- Diplomatic efforts: negotiations and mediation and good offices(venue or
services (like messaging between parties) can assist in the logistics of peace
processes) - Economic Measures: sanctions and embargoes, aid and development support
- Military Involvement: peacekeeping operations, military intervention
- Legal and political pressures: international court cases, resolutions and
declarations
Challenges in combating terrorism and genocide
- Legal and Ethical Challenges: Issues related to human rights, state
sovereignty, and the moral complexities in responding to terrorism and
genocide. - The Future Landscape: How evolving technology, geopolitical shifts, and
globalisation might shape the nature of terrorism and genocide in the future.
Motives for third-party involvement in conflict
- Strategic interests: Access to resources, geographical strategic positions, or
maintaining or altering the balance of power. Preventing the spread of conflict
to areas of strategic importance. - Humanitarian Concerns: Alleviating suffering caused by conflicts, especially in
cases of mass atrocities, famine, or large-scale displacement. Acting on moral
or ethical obligations as global citizens to prevent or reduce human suffering. - International Stability: Upholding international law and defending the
principles of sovereignty and non-aggression. Preventing the spill-over of
conflicts into wider regional wars, which can disrupt global stability. - Domestic Political Pressures: Political leaders responding to internal public
opinion, which can be sympathetic to the plight of those affected by conflict
elsewhere. Political capital gained from successful foreign interventions or
peace initiatives.
Implications of third party involvement in conflict
- On the conflict: Potentially bringing conflicts to a quicker resolution through
diplomacy, sanctions, or military might. On the other hand, involvement can
intensify conflicts, particularly if it’s perceived as biased or if it escalates the
violence. - On the international stage: Shifting power dynamics and alliances, with new
partnerships formed or existing ones strained based on the stance and
actions in conflicts. Impacts on the reputation and perceived impartiality of
international organisations. - On domestic politics of involved parties: Influence on the political landscape
and public opinion within the countries of the third parties. Successes and
failures in foreign policy can significantly impact domestic political fortunes.
Economic implications, especially in the case of military interventions, which
can be costly in terms of resources and human lives.
Challenges and criticisms of third pary involvement in conflict
- Legitimacy and sovereignty: The principle of state sovereignty and
non-interference is sometimes at odds with interventions, leading to debates
about the legality and morality of such actions. External interventions are
often criticised as forms of neo-imperialism, especially when the intervening
parties have significant power disparities with the conflict state. - Effectiveness: There is ongoing debate over the long-term effectiveness and
sustainability of external interventions in resolving conflicts. Risks of creating
dependency or not addressing the root causes of conflict, leading to cycles of
violence. - Selectivity and Bias: Inconsistent application of intervention, often influenced
by strategic interests rather than humanitarian need. Some conflicts receive
significant attention and resources, while others are largely ignored.
Accusations of bias in international bodies, where decisions may be
disproportionately influenced by powerful member states.
Examples of third party involvement
- United Nations in Syria during Arab Spring
- African union in Somalia
Peacemaking: Negotiations
- Definition: Negotiations in international relations refer to the process where
conflicting parties engage in dialogue to resolve disputes and achieve a
sustainable peace agreement. - Components: Successful negotiations often involve pre-negotiation
preparation, defining objectives, identifying negotiable issues, and
understanding the interests of the opposing party.
Challenges in negotiations:
- Asymmetry of Power: Power imbalances can impact the fairness of the
negotiation outcome. - Cultural Differences: Differing cultural backgrounds can lead to
misunderstandings and misinterpretations. - Lack of Trust: Without trust, negotiations may not progress or yield
sustainable outcomes.
Peacemaking: Treaties(definition, components, role in conflict resolution)
- Definition: Treaties are formal, written agreements between states or
international actors, legally binding under international law. - Components: Typically include the preamble, articles detailing the
agreement’s terms, and provisions for entry into force and amendments. - Long-term Stability: Treaties aim to provide lasting solutions to conflicts by
addressing the root causes and establishing frameworks for future relations. - Legal Binding Nature: The legal obligations imposed by treaties create a
formal structure to ensure compliance by the parties involved.
Peacekeeping Forces
- Definition: Peacekeeping forces are deployed by international organisations,
such as the United Nations, to help maintain peace and security in
post-conflict areas. - Activities: These include monitoring ceasefires, protecting civilians, disarming
ex-combatants, and supporting the organisation of elections - Successes: Effective Monitoring and Stabilisation: They have been successful
in various global locations in maintaining peace and preventing conflicts from
re-escalating. - Challenges: Issues include limited rules of engagement, logistical constraints,
and sometimes, inadequate support from the international community. - E.g. operations in Darfur, Sudan
Post Conflict Reconstruction
- Economic reconstruction: restoration of infrastructure(e.g. roads), revival of
livelihoods(e.g. employment) - Social reconstruction: rebuilding communities(including healthcare and
education), Supporting Internally displaced people and refugees - Political Reconstruction: re-establishing governance and rule of law, creating
electoral reform
Challenges in Peacebuilding and
Reconciliation
- Resource constraints: consistent funding and capacity building
- Political and social constraints: legacy of mistrust, maintaining political
will(remember, social contract(sort of)) - International Involvement: empowering local leaders is important for
sustainable change, coherence of international support is also a priority
Peace in Rwanda post genocide
- Background: Post-genocide, Rwanda faced enormous reconstruction
challenges. - Strategies Used: Initiatives included the Gacaca courts, community-building
programmes, and economic reforms. - Outcomes: Significant progress in terms of political stability and economic
growth, though challenges like political freedom and ethnic reconciliation
remain.