The Dell Theory of Conflict Prevention - Essay Example

The Dell Theory of Conflict Prevention This theory is actually an extension of an already established theory with the of Golden Arches Theory of Conflict Prevention. The basic postulates of this theory outline that no two countries will probably engage into war if they are part of the major supply chain. Friedman presented the example of Dell because it runs one of the major global supply chain networks in the world. This theory basically outlines that due to economic inter-dependence of the countries with each other, it is hardly a chance that these countries will actually engage into war.

Global organizations maintain a diversified and well-oiled supply chain in order to ensure a constant and cheap supply of essential raw materials required to complete the finished goods. As such organizations having economic interests in such countries which are part of such supply chain therefore may not engage into war with each other. (Friedman) Friedman therefore argued that countries do not just want to upgrade the living standards of their citizens but rather want to create a critical mass of labor forces created mainly due to the overall process of globalization.

As such, the smaller and developing countries will not wish to risk the trust of the global companies due to whom these countries have actually became part of the global economy. War will therefore reduce the importance and role of such countries in the global trade and resultantly such countries will suffer if they become part of any conflict in the shape of war or other conflicts. William J Duiker William J Duiker, while citing different examples, outlines that the future of the Western values and systems including that of globalization as well as the industrialization may not be assumed safe.

He argues that much has happened during 20th century which has created a different and rather complex fragmented world. By citing the example of Middle East, he argues that Western values of liberal democracy may be under direct threat and as such Western countries may not be able to ensure that its values can be globalized too along with its trade. This argument therefore clearly outlines a trend suggesting that globalization as a trend may not be successful in longer run. Issues like Human Rights are now being considered as issues which should not be actually dictated by the powerful of the world but rather should be based upon the individual society’s norms as well as process of development. (Duiker) Duiker has also cited the example of Clash of Civilization and suggests that cultural identity may be one of the leading forces in the world creating so called fragmentation at the global level.

Duiker therefore presents a relatively historical argument in favor of fragmentation and suggests that world may not be dominated by the global ideas except probably in the domain of art and culture. According to him, culture and art is probably the only thing which has become plural and hybrid in nature taking on more value from global western trends. Discussion Though both the arguments seem valid however, given the changes which have taken place during the recent past, it may be easier to conclude that arguments of William Duiker may hold.

Post 9/11 era has made global trade a rather an insecure territory with more focus on the regional trade rather than on the global trends. Countries like UK conduct most of their trade within European Union however; developed countries are still dependent on other countries mostly for their oil. It is also important to note that countries like China have relatively not been influenced by the global changes in the culture and other values. It has been able to maintain its individual characteristics while at the same time being part of the global trend.

Some argue that a China-US conflict may be on the cards therefore Dell Conflict Theory may not prevail in such situations. The world is relatively going through more fragmentation with countries struggling more towards achieving and retaining their individual values and characteristics while still being part of the global trend. Further, companies are relying on supply chains which are fragmented in nature thus reducing their reliance on few countries. This diversification of the supply chain itself reduces the importance of one country in the global supply chain though the countries may still be reliant on other countries.

Unilateral actions by US after 9/11 are also one of the key reasons as to why global world may not be a practical reality. Works Cited Duiker, William J. Contemporary World History. New York: Cengage Learning, 2009. Friedman, Thomas L. The world is flat: a brief history of the twenty-first century. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2007.