Theories of Conflict

Neo-classical Realism
o State actions in the international system are determined by
distribution of power as well as perception of systemic pressures
and intentions of other states
o Mistrust and inability to perceive one another accurately can
result in an under-balancing behaviour that can lead to
imbalances within the international system and subsequently
conflict Human nature as a cause of conflicts
o For example, Israel carried out a pre-emptive attack on Egypt
during the Six Day War in 1967, after Egypt blockaded the
Straits of Tiran and cut off Israeli shipping, which Israel
perceived as a threat and thus overbalanced
Neo-liberal Institutionalism
o Argues that international institutions play an important role in
coordinating international cooperation
o Assumes that states focus on the prospects of cooperation and
absolute gains, whereby state actors weigh out the total effects
of a decision before acting accordingly
o Cheating non-compliance by other states
o Anarchy Lack of organisation to enforce rules against cheating
o For example, the United Nations was formed to promote
international peace and cooperation in solving international
economic, social and humanitarian problems
Bound by the UN Charter, a foundational treaty that
delineates the enforcement powers of the UN and
designates roles for countries
Neo-realism
o Argues that states are unitary, rational actors who purse self-
interest (and self-preservation) and strive to attain as many
resources as possible
o Major powers set the scene of action for others and are known
as poles
o In the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Middle East was polarised along
East-West lines as they sought to align themselves with either
the USA or USSR based on their national interests
o Sought aid from superpowers
In 1955, the Soviet Union supplied fighters, tanks and
bombers to Egypt through Czechoslovakia
In 1973, US backed Israel with massive direct supply of
arms and direct financing
New War Theory
o Contemporary warfare are distinct from classic warfare that is
based on nation-states
o New wars are part of a globalised war economy underpinned by
transnational ethnicities and globalised arms markets
o Characterised by predatory social conditions that damage the
economies of neighbouring regions as well as the zone of
conflict
o In the Arab-Israeli conflict, paramilitary groups such as the
Fedayeen were formed to carry out attacks on Israel with the
political aim of liberating Palestine and establishing an
independent state
Balance Power Theory
o International system works on the basis of sustaining an
equilibrium of power to discourage nations from imposing its will
on or interfering with the interests of others
o Rapid changes in international power and status will provoke
counter-balancing actions
Collective Security
o A security arrangement, in which states in the system accept
that the security of one is the concern of all and agrees to join in
a collective response to all threats to peace
o Goes beyond idea of defence to include facilitating peaceful
settlements of disputes and other economic and diplomatic
responses
o The UN has made a continuous effort to facilitate the peace
process between Israel and Palestine
Maintained a central role in the region, especially by
providing aid for Palestinian refugees
Providing a platform for Palestinian political claims via the
setting up of a committee
Sponsored peace efforts, such as the Road Map for
peace in 2002
Collective Defence
o An arrangement among participant states that commit support in
defence of a member state if it is attacked by another state
outside the organisation
Complex Interdependence Theory
o Increasing transnational connections between states and
societies, especially economic ones, have deterred the use of
military force and power balancing
o Increase in cooperation among states
Deterrence Theory
o Strategy aimed at dissuading an adversary that a particular
action would elicit a response resulting in unacceptable damage
that would outweigh any likely benefit
o Based on assumption that states are unitary and rational actors
o 1973 Yom Kippur War: Israels lack of pre-emptive strike even
as the intelligence reported that war was imminent was a result
of the Soviet Unions presence in Egypt