B.A.

Programme (Semester-VI)
Paper: AE4 - Conflict and Peace Building (62323601)
Lecture – 14
Unit 3: Levels of Conflict: Local, b. Sub-National & c. International

International Conflicts: Theoretical Insights and Analytical Perspectives

Introduction:

International conflicts, the intricate interplay of global powers and regional dynamics, shape
the course of nations and the fate of millions.

In this lecture, we embark on a theoretical and analytical journey through the complexities of
international conflicts, unraveling their root causes, exploring theoretical frameworks, and
examining potential pathways to resolution.

Theoretical Frameworks:

- Realism

• is a school of thought in international relations that is based on the idea that states are
primarily motivated by self-interest and the desire to maximize their power, influence,
and security.
• According to this perspective, states are rational actors that carefully weigh the costs
and benefits of different actions and strategies in order to achieve their national
interests.
• This can include anything from military alliances and economic partnerships to covert
operations and diplomatic negotiations.
• Realist analysis of international conflicts tends to focus on questions of power, security,
and strategy, examining how states seek to protect their interests and advance their
agendas in a competitive and often hostile global environment.

- Liberalism:

- Liberal theories place great emphasis on the importance of cooperation, the use of
international institutions, and the potential for mutual gains through diplomacy.
- These perspectives offer viable solutions to mitigate conflicts by highlighting the role
of international organizations and interdependence.
- By promoting a positive-sum game, liberals seek to foster productive relationships,
build trust, and establish patterns of cooperation that are beneficial for all parties
involved.

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 B.A. Programme (Semester-VI)
Paper: AE4 - Conflict and Peace Building (62323601)
Lecture – 14
Unit 3: Levels of Conflict: Local, b. Sub-National & c. International

- Through a collaborative approach, they aim to address global issues, such as poverty,
climate change, and security, while promoting a more inclusive and peaceful world
order.

- Constructivism:

o impact of ideas, norms, and identities on international conflicts.

o It emphasizes the importance of constructivist approaches in understanding the
behaviour of states.
o These approaches offer a more nuanced understanding of how shared values and
identities play a role in shaping state behaviour.
o By examining these factors, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of
international conflicts.

Causes of International Conflicts:

International conflicts are complex issues that can have far-reaching consequences. There are
various root causes of international conflicts, such as economic disparities, political ideologies,
and territorial disputes. Understanding these root causes is critical to preventing and resolving
conflicts.

1. Economic disparities:
❖ are one of the primary drivers of tensions between developed and developing nations.
❖ An examination of global economic inequalities can help us understand how they
contribute to these tensions.
❖ Additionally, trade imbalances and resource competition can be potential triggers for
conflicts.
❖ Analyzing these factors can give us a better understanding of how to prevent conflicts
that arise from economic disparities.
2. Political ideologies:
o are another significant cause of international conflicts.
o Conflicting political ideologies, such as authoritarianism versus democracy, can fuel
tensions between nations.
o This can have an impact on diplomatic relations, and it can make it challenging to
resolve conflicts.

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 B.A. Programme (Semester-VI)
Paper: AE4 - Conflict and Peace Building (62323601)
Lecture – 14
Unit 3: Levels of Conflict: Local, b. Sub-National & c. International

o exploring the impact of ideological differences on international relations and potential

conflict resolution is crucial.
3. Territorial disputes:
✓ are another cause of international conflicts.
✓ Investigating the role of territorial disputes in sparking and perpetuating conflicts is
necessary to prevent them from escalating.
✓ Analysing historical examples and contemporary cases can help illustrate the impact of
territorial issues on global stability.
✓ Understanding how to resolve these disputes can be critical to preventing conflicts from
arising in the first place.

Case Studies:

- The Cold War:

- the ideological and geopolitical conflicts between the United States and the Soviet Union
during the Cold War.

- The South China Sea Dispute:

- the territorial disputes in the South China Sea involving multiple nations.

- the economic and geopolitical dimensions of the conflict, highlighting its impact on
regional stability.

- Israeli-Palestinian Conflict:

- the historical and ideological roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

- the role of identity, territory, and external actors in perpetuating this long-standing
international dispute.

Pathways to Resolution:

- Diplomacy and Dialogue:

- the importance of diplomatic efforts and constructive dialogue in resolving international

conflicts.

- successful diplomatic initiatives and the role of international mediators.

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 B.A. Programme (Semester-VI)
Paper: AE4 - Conflict and Peace Building (62323601)
Lecture – 14
Unit 3: Levels of Conflict: Local, b. Sub-National & c. International

- International Organizations:

- the impact of international organizations, such as the United Nations, in conflict resolution.

- Conflict Prevention Strategies:

It involves a diverse range of strategies:

❖ to promoting dialogue and mutual understanding

❖ addressing underlying social, economic, and political factors that can contribute to
tension and unrest
❖ and analysing past case studies to understand what works in practice
❖ any further you students can share with us

Conclusion:

As we conclude our exploration, it becomes clear that international conflicts are multifaceted,
rooted in complex power dynamics, economic disparities, and historical grievances.
Theoretical frameworks provide lenses through which we can understand and analyse state
behaviour, while case studies illustrate the real-world implications of international conflicts.
By examining root causes and potential resolution pathways, we equip ourselves with a
comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in navigating the complex
terrain of global conflicts.