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Armed conflicts have been a recurring feature of human history, causing untold destruction and loss of life. But what drives people to take up arms against one another? Some scholars have argued that it is primarily greed, while others have emphasized grievances as the primary cause. So, which provides a better account for the causes of armed conflict: ‘greed’ explanations or ‘grievance’ ones?
On the one hand, proponents of the ‘greed’ explanation argue that armed conflicts are primarily driven by material interests, such as control over resources or territory. According to this view, wars often arise when groups or nations seek to gain or maintain power and wealth. Proponents of this view point to examples such as the oil-rich Middle East, where many conflicts have been sparked by competition over resources.
For example, the 2003 Iraq War is often cited as an example of a conflict driven by greed. The US-led invasion was primarily motivated by the desire to gain control of Iraq's oil resources, which were estimated to be worth trillions of dollars. The conflict ultimately resulted in the deaths of over 100,000 Iraqis and over 4,000 US soldiers.
On the other hand, supporters of the ‘grievance’ explanation argue that armed conflicts are primarily driven by a sense of injustice or inequality. According to this view, wars often arise when groups or nations feel that they have been mistreated or oppressed, and they seek to redress these grievances through violent means. Proponents of this view point to examples such as the civil rights movement in the United States or the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa.
For instance, the Rwandan Genocide in 1994 is widely seen as an example of a conflict driven by grievances. The Hutu-dominated government had been oppressing the Tutsi minority for decades, leading to a buildup of ethnic tensions. When the Rwandan President, a Hutu, was killed in a plane crash, Hutu extremists launched a genocide against the Tutsi minority. The conflict ultimately resulted in the deaths of an estimated 800,000 people.
While both explanations have their merits, recent research suggests that grievances may be a more significant factor in the causes of armed conflict. A study by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute found that the majority of armed conflicts since the end of the Cold War have been driven by grievances related to identity, such as ethnicity, religion, or nationalism. Moreover, a report by the United Nations Development Programme found that poverty and inequality were significant predictors
of conflict risk.
For instance, the ongoing conflict in Yemen has been driven by a combination of grievances and material interests. The Houthis, a Shia rebel group, have been fighting against the Yemeni government, which they see as being dominated by the Sunni majority. The conflict has been exacerbated by the involvement of external powers such as Saudi Arabia and Iran, who see Yemen as a strategic battleground.
Furthermore, it is crucial to consider the role of external actors in the causes of armed conflict. In many cases, conflicts are exacerbated or even caused by outside forces such as foreign powers or multinational corporations seeking to exploit resources or gain geopolitical advantages. For example, the war in Syria has been driven in part by external powers such as Russia and Iran, who have sought to support the Assad regime for strategic reasons.
In conclusion, while both ‘greed’ and ‘grievance’ explanations provide valuable insights into the causes of armed conflict, recent research suggests that grievances related to identity and inequality may be a more significant factor. However, it is important to consider the complex interplay between material interests and grievances, as well as the role of external actors in driving conflict. By taking a nuanced and multifaceted approach, we may be better able to understand the causes of armed conflict and work towards preventing future conflicts and promoting peace.
It is worth noting that both ‘greed’ and ‘grievance’ explanations can also be intertwined, and it is often challenging to disentangle the two. For example, conflicts over natural resources may exacerbate existing grievances related to identity or inequality. Moreover, the way in which resources are distributed can also be a source of grievances. Inequitable access to resources or perceived discrimination in resource distribution can also fuel grievances that may ultimately lead to armed conflict.
The question of whether ‘greed’ or ‘grievance’ is the primary cause of armed conflict is a contentious and complex one, and there is no easy answer. It is likely that both factors play a role, and the precise balance between the two can vary depending on the context. However, what is clear is that addressing grievances related to identity, inequality, and access to resources can be a crucial step towards preventing armed conflict.
Moreover, the international community can play a critical role in preventing and resolving conflicts by addressing the root causes of grievances and promoting peacebuilding initiatives. Diplomacy, development assistance, and conflict prevention efforts can help to address the underlying drivers of conflict and reduce the risk of violence. Additionally, supporting grassroots initiatives and investing in the development of civil society can help to promote peaceful coexistence and prevent the escalation of conflicts.
In conclusion, while the question of whether ‘greed’ or ‘grievance’ provides a better account for the causes of armed conflict remains unresolved, it is clear that addressing grievances related to identity, inequality, and access to resources can be a crucial step towards preventing violent conflict. By taking a multifaceted approach that recognizes the complex interplay between material interests and grievances and the role of external actors, we may be better able to understand and address the root causes of armed conflict and work towards promoting sustainable peace.
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