The Roots of Conflict
An examination as to what causes conflicts and prevents peace.
As peace makers, we often try to find the answers to the issues that cause conflict in the first place. Therefore, it is helpful to understand these issues.
If we understand the issues that lay underneath conflict, we can work towards preventing conflicts before they happen, even if they are as simple as stopping an argument between neighbours or as complicated as being a mediator, negotiating between sides in a labour dispute.
When it comes to global conflicts, knowing the issues can help you explain your perspective to others. Everyone knows that peace activists have the goal of achieving peace, but sometimes are arguments don't go much deeper than that. So, here is a list of some of the major reasons for conflict, be them local or global.
Religious Intolerance
Even different factions under the same religious umbrella can find themselves at odds, such as Sunni and Shi-ite Muslims in certain parts of the world.
Corrupt Governments
Dictators can be genocidal fascists. When overthrown, sometimes the new government isn't much better. Some align with the previous reign, some with the new, and chaos ensues.
Occupation of Land
When one people occupies the land of another, very seldom does any good come out of it. One group think they have a right to be there; the other feels their land is being appropriated. These are very difficult situations to negotiate -- look at Israel / Palestine.
Exploitation of the Working Class
When heartless corporations exploit their workers, when attempts are made to bust unions, when the working class becomes the working poor -- then, the society is ripe for a revolt.
Natural Resources
When Western countries get very interested in the goings-on in the Middle East, it often has to do with one thing: oil. It's a likely reason why the United States is so interested in Iraq and Canada in Afghanistan, while all but ignoring conflicts in Rwanda and Darfur.
These are some of the major issues to be aware of. Most of them do not have easy solutions. But being aware is the first step
