7 International Conflict and Peace Free Online FlashCards

What is armed conflict?

Organized political violence involving states or armed groups.

What distinguishes an interstate war?

An interstate war is fought between states.

How can incomplete information contribute to war?

Leaders may misjudge an opponent’s strength, resolve, or willingness to compromise, or fail to interpret signals accurately.

What is a security dilemma?

A security dilemma occurs when one government’s defensive measures appear threatening to others, prompting them to build up their own forces.

What does a ceasefire accomplish—and not necessarily accomplish?

A ceasefire pauses or limits fighting but does not necessarily resolve the political dispute.

What is a mediator’s role in peace negotiations?

Mediators help parties communicate and explore options; they do not decide the settlement for them.

What principles generally guide UN peacekeeping?

Peacekeeping generally relies on consent of the main parties and impartiality, with force used only in self-defense or defense of the mandate.

Why does the timing of disarmament matter in a peace agreement?

If combatants are asked to disarm before credible security guarantees exist, they may fear that complying will expose them to attack.

What is a civil war?

A civil war occurs within a state, often between its government and one or more organized challengers.

How is conflict broader than war?

Conflict includes incompatible goals pursued through diplomacy, protest, or negotiation; war is violent conflict.

What is a commitment problem in war bargaining?

A commitment problem arises when a side cannot credibly promise to honor a deal later, leaving others afraid they will become vulnerable.

Why can a disputed stake seem indivisible?

Territory or political authority may be treated as impossible to divide; domestic opposition or distrust can make compromise unacceptable.