Armed conflict is the state of hostility and violence between or among organized entities that may involve the use of military force. It encompasses a broad range of situations, from interstate war between states to civil strife within a nation or insurgency/terrorism activities.
The causes of armed conflict are multifaceted and complex. They include power struggles, governance issues, and differing visions of the future. These differences can also be exacerbated by historical grievances, the manipulation of identity politics, and other factors. Grasping the intricacies of these dynamics is crucial for understanding how they contribute to armed conflict, and for developing sustainable solutions that promote enduring peace and stability.
Various theorists have developed frameworks for classifying and defining the root causes of armed conflict, with varying degrees of success. These range from Platon’s assertion that conflicts are rooted in man’s insatiable desire for dominance, to Waltz’s view that war is caused by the imperfections of human nature and aggression arising from frustration.
Regardless of the theoretical approach, it is clear that armed conflict has profound societal impacts. Individuals are killed or wounded, displaced from their homes and communities, and deprived of access to basic necessities. The economic strain imposed on a nation by armed conflict can have far-reaching ramifications, spilling over to neighboring regions and the global economy. These effects can persist for years, inhibiting a country’s ability to recover from armed conflict and prosper. The objective of this article is to develop a more systematic way of studying the roots of armed conflict, in order to advance a more thorough and accurate understanding of its causes and consequences.
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