Tensions and Conflicts
Tensions have risen around the world, especially since the Cold War ended and decolonization began. Tensions have also increased since 2010. These tensions sometimes develop into armed conflicts. These conflicts can take place within a single state or across several states. Sometimes the situation becomes so serious it requires the intervention of the international community.
The Global Peace Index, developed by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), ranks countries according to their level of pacifism. In its report published in June 2020, the IEP noted that the global level of pacifism has decreased by 0.34% in the last year, that the Middle East and North Africa are the most affected by tensions and conflicts, and that 14 countries have a very high level of pacifism.
External Intervention in Areas of Tension and Conflict
External intervention is always a delicate matter because the interdependence of states has to be considered, in addition to their sovereignty. This principle tends to make it impossible for the international community, or anyone else, to interfere in a state’s affairs, since it has the right and power to manage its territory and affairs however it sees fit.
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Interdependence refers to the mutual dependence between people, companies or governments.
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A state is a territorial and political entity administered by a government. It has defined borders within which a population lives.
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Sovereignty is the absolute power of a state to govern itself by making its own laws and enforcing them within its territory. A sovereign state is independent, meaning that it cannot be controlled by any other state or institution.
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Interference is the involvement of a country or international organization in the political, economic, social, cultural, religious or humanitarian affairs of another country without its authorization. Interference goes against the sovereignty of a state.
Sovereignty and Interference
Sources of Tension and Conflict
The sources of tensions and conflicts are numerous and are often more complex than they appear. There are many actors involved and conflicts usually have more than one cause. For example, tensions and conflicts can arise when people’s rights and freedoms are not respected. Conflicts can also stem from the control of natural resources or people’s desire for greater autonomy.
Peace Missions and Processes
External intervention in conflict zones by international organizations as part of peace missions and processes is often overseen by the United Nations (UN) and sometimes involves other international organizations that are the result of international alliances. Organizations may become involved in conflict zones to help the people who are often trapped in these situations. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are the main actors in providing people with valuable humanitarian aid.
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An international organization (IO) is an organization that brings together representatives of different states to achieve common objectives on global issues.
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A non-governmental organization (NGO) is a non-profit organization made up of citizens who defend a cause and act independently from the government.
Find out more!
To find out more, visit this page, which shows a timeline with the number of conflicts in the world since 1979, as well as an interactive map that describes most of the tensions and conflicts around the world, by country. The Global Conflict Tracker website also maintains an archive of articles on armed conflict around the world as well as an interactive map. You can view it here.