Evaluate the success of third party involvement in the transforming one intra state conflict

away from violence and towards positive peace.

Introduction:
intrastate armed conflict (also known as a civil conflict) is a conflict between a government and a
non-state group that takes place largely within the territory of the state in question.

Reasons why third party involvement may succeed:

1. There is a strong supportive external environment with strong regional and international
dimension
2. Parties in conflict will benefit from the transformation of peace from negative to positive
3. Third party is neutral, trusted by both sides
4. Third party has resources and expertise
5. Have the power to transform a conflict

Reasons why third party involvement may not succeed:

1. A third party involvement is imposed and not desired by at least one of the parties in the
conflict
2. Third party involvement for self gain
3. Extremists commit acts of violence to destroy trust in negotiation process
“The use of violence can never be legitimate.” Discuss the validity of this claim, with
reference to at least one violent conflict you have studied.

Introduction:
While the nature of war and war have changed over time, debates about whether and in what
circumstances war can be justified have a much more enduring character. Three broad positions
have been adopted on this issue and they are as follows; realpolitik, just war theory, and pacifism.

Realpolitik
1. The defining feature of political realism, sometimes referred to as realpolitik, is that
matters of war and peace is beyond morality in that they are determined by the pursuit of
national self interest.
2. Example: during the interwar period, UK and French policy makers, deluded by the theories
of liberal internationalism, failed to act to prevent the re-emergence of Germany as an
expansionist power, thereby contributing to the outbreak of WW2. The essence of realpolitik
is that it is better to be hard headed than wrong headed. The sole way of maintaining peace
is through the balance of power.
3. It is an example of moral relativism in that it is informed by a kind of ethical nationalism
that places considerations of the national self interest above all other moral considerations.

Just war theory

1. The idea is based on the assumption that war can be justified and should be judged on the
basis of ethical criteria. Key thinker is Hugo Grotius.
2. Human nature is a mix of good and evil where war is inevitable
3. The purpose of war must be to reestablish peace and justice
4. Right authority or legal legitimacy. The people starting violent conflicts should have
legitimate authority to do so. Some question the legality of the Iraq war in 2003 since it was
launched without a UN security council resolution. In contrast, military action against Libya
in 2011 was authorized agreeing on all necessary measures to protect civilians.
5. Monopoly of violence: the legitimate use of physical force where states use violence against
civilians.
6. Just in bello – the Geneva convention: under international law, it governs the conduct of
armed conflict where it provides a legal framework and legitimacy to go to war.
7. Example: Afghanistan war as a just war since it was proved on the basis of self defense and
to prevent the west from the threat of terrorism.

Pacifism:
1. Violence doesn’t solve anything
Peacebuilding is more important than peacemaking. Yet it is given much less funding and
attention. To what extent do you agree with this claim?
Explain why non-violent protest is sometimes able to achieve success against even the most
powerful of opponents.

Transforming armed conflict towards peace relies on an interrelationship of peacemaking, peace

keeping and peace building. Discuss.

If a person died from tuberculosis in the 18th century it would be hard to conceive of this as
violence since it may have been unavoidable, but if he dies today, despite all the medical resources
in the world, then violence is present. To what extent do you agree with the view that those in
power have an obligation to identity nd prevent structural violence?

“Truth and reconciliation commissions are the most effective way to foster
peace.” To what extent do you agree with this claim? 


Evaluate the claim that humanitarian intervention is a justifiable intrusion

into the sovereignty of a state.