Conflict and Intervention (IB)

Causes of Conflict

Factors that lead to conflicts, including political instability, economic crises, ethnic tensions, nationalism, imperialism, ideological differences, and colonial legacies.

Course of Conflict

The sequence of key events in a conflict, including escalation, military strategies, major battles, war crimes, and external power involvement.

Intervention

Actions taken by organizations like the UN, NATO, and NGOs during conflicts, including peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts.

Consequences of Conflict

The political, economic, and social effects resulting from conflicts, including peacekeeping efforts, war crimes tribunals, refugee crises, and long-term reconciliation.

The Rwandan Genocide (1994)

A mass killing of ~800,000 people, primarily Tutsis, arising from ethnic tensions and a failure of international intervention.

Background of Rwandan Genocide

Rwanda's colonial past, where Belgian policies favored Tutsis and led to later ethnic divisions following independence.

Causes of the Rwandan Genocide

Ethnic divisions, political instability, and the trigger event of President Habyarimana’s assassination in April 1994.

Course of the Rwandan Genocide

A period of mass executions and sexual violence carried out from April to July 1994.

International Response to Rwandan Genocide

The UN's failure to intervene effectively through UNAMIR and the lack of action from Western nations.

Consequences of the Rwandan Genocide

The RPF victory, establishment of the ICTR, and a shift towards the Responsibility to Protect doctrine.

The Kosovo Conflict (1998–1999)

Conflict where ethnic Albanians sought independence from Serbia, leading to NATO intervention and Kosovo's later declaration of independence.

Background of the Kosovo Conflict

An ethnic Albanian majority in Kosovo, previously controlled by Serbia, which experienced rising tensions and calls for independence.

Causes of the Kosovo Conflict

Ethnic tensions between Albanians and Serbians, authoritarian rule by Slobodan Milošević, and Serbian military crackdowns.

Course of the Kosovo Conflict

Ethnic cleansing initiated by Serbia in 1998, leading to significant displacement and international concern.

Intervention in the Kosovo Conflict

NATO's bombing campaign aimed at forcing Serbia to withdraw, which bypassed the UN and resulted in civilian casualties.

Consequences of the Kosovo Conflict

Kosovo's declaration of independence in 2008 and NATO's long-term peacekeeping presence, establishing a precedent for humanitarian intervention.

Realist View on Conflict

The perspective that states prioritize their self-interests and geopolitical advantages over moral concerns in interventions.

Liberal View on Conflict

The belief in international cooperation to resolve conflicts, emphasizing the role of organizations like the UN and humanitarian principles.

Post-Colonial View on Conflict

A theory asserting that modern conflicts stem from colonial histories and criticized interventions as neo-colonial efforts.

Marxist View on Conflict

The analysis of conflicts as a result of economic inequality and class struggles, often driven by the interests of wealthy nations.

United Nations (UN)

An organization that plays a crucial role in peacekeeping and conflict mediation but often faces limitations due to bureaucratic inefficiencies.

NATO

A military alliance that intervenes in conflicts, often without UN approval, leading to controversies regarding civilian casualties.

International Criminal Court (ICC)

An institution that prosecutes individuals for war crimes but faces criticism for perceived bias and limited jurisdiction.

Media & NGOs

Entities that expose human rights violations and mobilize public opinion, influencing government and international responses to conflicts.

Humanitarian Intervention

The use of military force by a state or group of states to protect human rights in another state, typically in response to humanitarian crises.