Conflict and Conflict Resolution-International Relations-Lecture Handout, Exercises of International Relations

Download Conflict and Conflict Resolution-International Relations-Lecture Handout and more Exercises International Relations in PDF only on Docsity! International Relations-PSC 201 VU © Copyright Virtual University of Pakistan 89 LESSON 40 CONFLICT AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION Conflicts in IR Conflict in the sense of visible incompatibility of policies and interests of different states is a permanent and continuous feature of IR. A traditional and persistent issue causing conflict between states is territorial disputes. A crisis is the first stage of conflict and a crisis may erupt due to actions of citizens of one nation against another (hijacking) or due to hostile actions at the state level (border incursion). Components of a Conflict There are four distinct ways of categorizing conflicts: 1 Number of parties involved: Depending on the nature and/or gravity of a conflict it can involve two or more parties (WWI or Cold War for e.g.) 2 Issues Field: A range of issues can trigger conflicts including territorial, ideological or economic interests. Conflicts can also have multiple reasons 3 Attitudes: Different attitudes are important in conflict situations including the perception of threat, amount of suspicion concerning opponents intensions, symbolic interests involved in conflict, perception about available alternatives 4 Actions: denials, rejections, protests, and international pressure are actions which can defuse conflicts. On the other hand, actions like escalating steps like withdrawal of diplomatic staff, economic blockades, ban on travel and limited use of force instigate all out conflict. Causes of Conflicts Given the perpetual problem of conflict, what causes conflicts merits careful attention. Sometimes conflicts become the origin of conflicts, other times conflicts occur due to security concerns or religious or ideological reasons. Some scholars categorize international conflicts in the following manner: • Conflicts can be traced to individual reactions of decision makers • Conflicts can also be caused by the prevailing world order, like the polarization witnessed during the Cold War • Conflicts caused at the state level can include focus on national character, ideological beliefs, imperialist or hegemonic tendencies docsity.com