What Causes Conflict Among Nations - Essay Example

What Causes Conflict Among Nations: Power Introduction Global politics has always been a touchy in relation to some areas as nations have not come to an overall understanding to all matters pertinent to their cohesion as members of the global community (Jabri 43). There are a number of issues that have not been completely taken care of and it can be said that these aforementioned subjects are the stumbling blocks that lay in the path of an international communicative understanding between different nations. One of these major issues that can be brought up for mention is the issue of conflict among nations (Hugh, Ramsbotham & Woodhouse 72). This conflict may exist in varying types and may not only involve outright war between two countries. There are more subtle conflicts between nations that take place in this day and age of politicizing strategies and economic competition. All these variations can be referred to as conflict amongst nations and one may not need to look hard to observe their presence or the impact they have had on the affected nations. In order to understand the issues that arise behind conflict between nations one has to identify the underlying causes that allow these conflicts to settle and take root. Once the main source of the problem has been located the matter is able to be effectively dealt with (Hugh, Ramsbotham & Woodhouse 39). With regard to the main cause of conflict among nations, it can be argued that power is the main culprit in many cases. A majority of the conflict that arises between nations can be traced back to issues of power between the involved parties with the main question usually being “Who has the most?” This power struggle can either take place via blunt ambition from the two nations with each showcasing their capabilities as in times of war, and it can also take place in a calmer pretext with political arguments and stances being the main tools initialized in this form of sparring. Types of Power Struggle Case Scenarios There are various positions that a conflict between nations may take, but they all result in the same conclusion, discontent among the involved nations. The issue of a power struggle may not always be observed from the cliche case scenario whereby it is the matter of a weaker power struggling against a mightier one (the classic David versus Goliath Situation), but as a result of the political bonds and legal agreements between nations amongst other factors, there are a number of case scenarios that a power struggle can take (Hugh, Ramsbotham & Woodhouse 67). It is essential that these scenarios be studied in order to better understand the reasons behind the struggle (Jabri 78). By doing this, one may be able to resolve the conflicts in an amicable manner that would preserve the relationships that may have been previously fostered between the involved nations. The main case scenarios involving power struggles include: 1. Too Much Power This is a case scenario whereby one or more of the nations involved in the conflict may feel that a group of nations or a particular one may hold too much power in certain matters and thus are intent on leveling the playing field. This power may take on a number of forms within the nation such as military, political or economic strength of a country (Stark 91). Nations that may be involved with such nations may feel the need to strengthen their position so as to get a better deal out of the relationship they are trying to foster. It should be noted that in such a case the main issue is not exactly that the power acquired by the nation in question is more than the protestors but to do more with the manner in which this power was acquired. Such conflicts usually arise when a nation or group of nations may feel aggrieved in a certain position as they feel they may have been put at a disadvantage via certain factors that may tend to lean the advantage towards the accused nation. A good example of this is the de-arming process in the Middle Eastern regions whereby nations may feel that by reducing their military weapons they are putting their neighbors at an advantage should any conflict arise and thus may demand military equality in terms of weapon reserves. 2. Balance of Power As off base as it may sound, there are a number of case scenarios whereby an equal balance of power between nations may result in conflict amongst the countries at some point in time (Jabri 56). This is due to the fact that human nature has been programmed to reach for success in their endeavors and this relates to the nations as well. A country may not be satisfied with being one of the best and may aim to be the best so as to better their status/position amongst the nations that they deal with. It should be noted that Military issues are mostly not involved in such scenarios and such cases arise within the more subtle texture of conflict that was earlier mentioned. In times of war, most nations are more concerned with showing their military strength, which can be considered to be a physical power but in calmer times battles amongst are mostly fought in the political and economic development realms (Stark 78). This means that nations are more concerned with improving their economic status and financial stability than they are with replenishing their military arsenal. A more financially stable country can be considered to be stronger than one with perhaps what could be described as a weaker base and thus conflicts may arise between neighboring as they strive to carry the mantle in this particular area. Political sway amongst other nations may also arise in this form of power conflict as well (Jarvis). A good example was Russia choosing to back the Syrian president when the other leading nations were of a different opinion (Stark 112). It can be said that this was a political conflict between Russia and her allies and the opposing nations. In such a case, the side with most political power will eventually have their way (Roberts). In conclusion, it can be said the struggle for power is the main underlying cause of conflict among nations and thus if there was a strategy to be developed aimed towards reducing or ceasing these conflicts then one might just have to develop a means that will convince all parties to be satisfied with the amount of power available at their disposal. One approach could be the combining of resources between nations so that all involved may benefit thus leaving no room for discontent. Works Cited Roberts Dan. “Vladmir Warns U.S not to launch Attack on Syria.” The Guardian, 2013. Web. http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/12/putin-warns-us-not-to-attack-syria Jabri Vivienne. War and the Transformation of Global Politics. Palgrave, London, 2007. Print. Jarvis Jeff. “Give Syria Peace not a Process.” The Guardian, 2013. Web. http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/oct/27/syrian-peace-process-geneva-conference Hugh Miall, Ramsbotham Oliver & Woodhouse Tom. Contemporary Conflict Resolution. Polity Press, New York, 2005. Print. Sears Alan. A Good Book, In Theory: A Guide to Theoretical Thinking. North York: Higher Education University of Toronto Press, 2008. Print. Stark Rodney. Sociology (10th ed.). Thomas Wadsworth, Philadelphia, 2007. Read More