Types of Conflict
Understanding Conflict in Global Politics
Definition
Conflict
Conflict is a central theme in global politics, encompassing a wide range of disputes and tensions that arise between individuals, groups, and states. It is essential to understand the different types of conflict to analyze their causes, dynamics, and potential resolutions.
Key Types of Conflict
- Interstate Conflict
- Intrastate Conflict
- Transnational Conflict
- Non-State Conflict
- Ideological Conflict
- Resource-Based Conflict
- Ethnic and Religious Conflict
Analogy
Types of Conflict as Neighbourhood Disputes
- Interstate Conflict
- → Like two houses (countries) fighting over a fence line.
- (e.g., Russia vs Ukraine)
- Intrastate Conflict
- → A family fighting inside one house, civil war within a single country.
- (e.g., Syrian Civil War)
- Transnational Conflict
- → A group from one house goes into others’ homes to cause trouble.
- (e.g., ISIS operating across borders)
- Non-State Conflict
- → Gangs (non-state actors) in the neighborhood causing clashes with each other or the police.
- (e.g., terrorist groups vs militias)
- Ideological Conflict
- → Neighbors clashing over values, like one group wanting modern rules, another wanting tradition.
- (e.g., Cold War: capitalism vs communism)
- Resource-Based Conflict
- → Houses fighting over shared water pipes or parking spaces, scarce resources.
- (e.g., Nile River disputes, oil in South Sudan)
- Ethnic and Religious Conflict
- → Different cultural or faith-based families in the neighbourhood struggling to live together peacefully.
- (e.g., Rohingya crisis, Israel–Palestine)
1. Interstate Conflict
- Interstate conflict occurs between sovereign states and often involves military engagements.
- These conflicts are typically driven by territorial disputes, power struggles, or geopolitical interests.
Example
- The India-Pakistan conflict over Kashmir is a classic example of interstate conflict, rooted in territorial claims and historical animosities.
2. Intrastate Conflict
- Intrastate conflict, also known as civil war, occurs within a single state.
- These conflicts often involve government forces and non-state actors, such as rebels or insurgent groups.
- Causes:
- Political oppression
- Economic inequality
- Ethnic or religious tensions
Example
- The Syrian Civil War: A complex conflict involving multiple factions, including the Syrian government, rebel groups, and international actors.
- The Rwandan Genocide: Driven by ethnic tensions between the Hutu and Tutsi populations.
3. Transnational Conflict
- Transnational conflict involves actors or issues that cross national borders.
- These conflicts often include non-state actors and are characterized by their global impact.
Example
- Terrorism: Groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS operate across multiple countries, challenging state sovereignty.
- Drug Trafficking: Cartels in Latin America create instability across the region.
4. Non-State Conflict
- Non-state conflict involves armed groups that are not officially affiliated with any government.
- These conflicts can occur within or across state borders.
Example
- Boko Haram in Nigeria: A militant group fighting against the Nigerian government and spreading terror in the region.
- FARC in Colombia: A guerrilla group that engaged in a decades-long conflict with the Colombian state.
5. Ideological Conflict
- Ideological conflict arises from clashes between competing belief systems or political ideologies.
- These conflicts can be both violent and non-violent.
Example
- The Cold War: A global struggle between capitalism and communism, characterized by proxy wars and nuclear brinkmanship.
- The rise of populism versus liberal democracy in recent years.
6. Resource-Based Conflict
- Resource-based conflict occurs when competition over natural resources leads to tension and violence.
- These conflicts are often exacerbated by environmental degradation and climate change.
Example
- The Darfur Conflict: Partly driven by competition over water and arable land.
- The South China Sea Dispute: Involving multiple countries vying for control over oil and gas reserves.
7. Ethnic and Religious Conflict
- Ethnic and religious conflicts are driven by identity-based divisions.
- These conflicts can be particularly intractable due to deep-rooted historical grievances.
Example
- The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: A complex mix of religious, ethnic, and territorial disputes.
- The Bosnian War: Marked by ethnic cleansing and sectarian violence.
Analyzing Conflict: Key Dimensions
- Causes: Understanding the root causes of conflict is essential for developing effective solutions. These can include political, economic, social, and cultural factors.
- Actors: Identifying the key actors involved in a conflict, including states, non-state groups, and international organizations, helps clarify the dynamics at play.
- Impact: Analyzing the impact of conflict on individuals, communities, and global stability is crucial for assessing its significance.
- Resolution: Exploring potential pathways to conflict resolution, such as diplomacy, mediation, or military intervention, is a critical aspect of global politics.
Common Mistake
- Oversimplifying causes: Students often list only one cause (e.g., economic) without showing how multiple factors intersect.
- Ignoring local actors: Focusing only on states or international organizations misses the role of non-state groupsor community leaders.
- Equating resolution with peace: A signed agreement doesn't always mean lasting peace—watch for confusion between negative peace (absence of war) and positive peace (justice and reconciliation).
Exam technique
- Use the CAIR acronym to structure conflict questions:
- Causes, Actors, Impacts, Resolutions — this helps ensure your analysis is complete and balanced.
The Role of International Organizations
- International organizations like the United Nations play a vital role in conflict prevention and resolution.
- They provide platforms for negotiation, deploy peacekeeping forces, and offer humanitarian assistance.
Note
- The UN Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security, though its effectiveness is often limited by political divisions among member states.
The Evolving Nature of Conflict
- Hybrid Warfare: Combines conventional and unconventional tactics, such as cyberattacks and disinformation.
- Climate Change: Increasingly recognized as a driver of conflict, exacerbating resource scarcity and displacement.
- Technological Advances: Drones, artificial intelligence, and cyber warfare are reshaping the landscape of conflict.
Tip
- When analyzing conflict, consider the interplay between local, national, and global factors.
- This multi-level approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of complex issues.
Self review
- How do different types of conflict intersect and influence one another?
- What role do international organizations play in preventing and resolving conflict?
- How does the evolving nature of conflict challenge traditional approaches to security and diplomacy?
