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NUST Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (NIPCONS)

MAS Dept

Defining Futures

7TH SEMESTER
PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES (PCS)

Sponsor: Dr. Arshad Mahmood

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ISSUE DS ONLY MAS DEPT

7TH SEMESTER NIPCONS

PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES

TUTORIAL - 3

PCS - 3

SOURCES OF CONFLICT

 Ref:
o Study material on ‘Peace and Conflict Studies’ (PCS) available in Student
Folder / DS Folder on LMS.
o Internet Articles / Research Material.
o Class Discussion Time: 3 Pds.
 Conduct Modalities
o Lecture / Discussion by the Syn DS.
o Discussion with the help of questionnaire.
o Main aspects to be covered by the Syn DS:-

 Various sources and causes / factors which lead to conflict.

 Territorial reasons / causes.

 Political reasons / causes.

 Economic reasons / causes.

 Ideological / Religious reasons / causes.

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PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES

TUTORIAL - 3
SOURCES OF CONFLICT
Question – 1
1. What are the various sources of conflict?

Answer-1
2. Conflict can arise from various sources or factors, which can be
categorized into several broad categories:
3. Structural Sources:
a. Socio economic Inequality: Disparities in wealth, resources, and
opportunities can create tensions and conflicts between different
social groups.
b. Political Power Imbalances: Concentration of power, lack of
political representation, and exclusion of certain groups can lead
to political conflicts and power struggles.
c. Ethnic, Religious, or Cultural Differences: Differences in
ethnicity, religion, language, or cultural practices can contribute to
identity-based conflicts and intergroup tensions.
4. Economic Sources:
a. Competition for Resources: Conflict can arise when there is
competition over scarce resources, such as land, water, minerals,
or energy sources.
b. Economic Injustice: Unfair distribution of wealth, lack of
economic opportunities, and poverty can lead to social grievances
and economic-based conflicts.
5. Political Sources:
a. Governance and Accountability: Lack of effective governance,
corruption, and weak institutions can undermine trust in the
government and lead to political conflicts.
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b. Ideological Differences: Conflicts can arise from ideological

clashes, such as differing political ideologies or conflicting national
interests.
6. Social and Cultural Sources:
a. Discrimination and Prejudice: Social discrimination, prejudice,
and marginalization of certain groups based on factors like race,
gender, or religion can lead to conflicts and social unrest.
b. Cultural Misunderstandings: Differences in cultural norms,
values, and practices can contribute to misunderstandings and
conflicts between different cultural groups.
7. Environmental Sources:
a. Natural Resource Scarcity: Conflicts can arise from competition
over limited natural resources, such as water, arable land, or
forests, particularly in regions prone to environmental degradation
or climate change impacts.
b. Environmental Degradation: Environmental crises, such as
pollution, deforestation, or habitat destruction, can exacerbate
conflicts by undermining livelihoods, exacerbating resource
scarcity, and causing displacement.
8. Historical and Psychological Sources:
a. Historical Grievances: Deep-rooted historical grievances,
unresolved conflicts, or past injustices can continue to fuel
tensions and conflicts.
b. Identity and Perception: Differences in identity, group affiliations,
or perceptions of threat can contribute to intergroup conflicts and
identity-based violence.
9. It is important to note that conflicts are often complex and can have
multiple overlapping sources. Identifying and understanding these sources is
crucial for addressing the root causes of conflicts and promoting effective
conflict resolution and peace-building efforts.
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Question - 2
10. What do you understand by Territorial Conflicts?
Answer-2
11. Territorial conflicts refer to disputes or conflicts between two or more
parties over the ownership, control, or boundaries of a particular territory or
land. These conflicts can arise at various levels, from local disputes between
neighboring communities to international disputes between nations. Territorial
conflicts often stem from competing claims, historical grievances, or conflicting
national interests. They can be a significant source of tension and have the
potential to escalate into larger conflicts or even wars.
12. Territorial conflicts can have various causes and manifestations:
a. Border Disputes: Border disputes occur when there is
disagreement or ambiguity regarding the demarcation of
boundaries between two or more entities. These conflicts often
involve debates over the location of borders, the ownership of
specific territories, or the control of strategic areas.
b. Secessionist Movements: Territorial conflicts can emerge from
secessionist movements, where a particular region or group
seeks to separate and establish an independent state. These
conflicts typically involve struggles for self-determination,
autonomy, or independence.
c. Resource Distribution: Conflicts over territories can be driven by
the desire to control valuable resources such as land, water,
minerals, or energy reserves. Competing claims to resource-rich
territories can fuel tensions and disputes.
d. Historical or Cultural Significance: Territories may hold historical,
cultural, or symbolic importance for certain groups, leading to
conflicts over ownership or control. These conflicts often involve
claims based on historical narratives, cultural heritage, or religious
significance.
e. National Security Concerns: Territorial conflicts can be influenced
by national security considerations. Nations may seek to secure
strategic locations, establish buffer zones, or control access to
important transportation routes, such as sea lanes or border
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crossings. Territorial conflicts can have significant consequences,

including displacement of populations, violence, economic
disruptions, and strained diplomatic relations. Resolving territorial
conflicts often requires diplomatic negotiations, mediation, legal
frameworks, and a willingness to compromise. International
organizations, such as the United Nations, can play a role in
facilitating peaceful resolutions and promoting dialogue between
conflicting parties.

Question - 3
14. What are political sources of conflict between nation states?

Answer-3

15. Political sources of conflict between nation-states can arise from

various factors related to governance, power dynamics, and ideological
differences. Here are some common political sources of conflict:

a. Territorial Disputes: Territorial conflicts, including border

disputes or claims over specific territories, can have political
origins. Competing territorial claims often involve national pride,
historical narratives, and conflicting perceptions of national
identity.

b. Ideological Differences: Conflicts can emerge due to ideological

differences between nation-states. Ideological clashes may
involve differing political systems, governance models, or
conflicting national interests based on competing ideologies,
such as democracy versus authoritarianism.

c. Resource Competition: Political conflicts can stem from

competition over valuable resources, such as oil, gas, water, or
minerals. Control over resources can have significant economic
and strategic implications, leading to political tensions and
conflicts.
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d. Power Imbalances: Power imbalances among nation-states can

contribute to conflicts. Disparities in political influence,
economic strength, or military capabilities can create a sense of
inequality and provoke tensions between countries, especially
when it involves attempts to assert dominance or influence over
others.

e. Governance and Regime Change: Conflicts can arise due to

disagreements over governance models or political regimes.
Political transitions, regime changes, or struggles for political
control within a country can spill over into international conflicts
if external actors support different factions or intervene in
domestic affairs.

f. National Security Concerns: National security considerations,

including defense strategies, military alliances, or perceived
threats, can be a source of political conflicts between nation-
states. Strategic interests, the presence of military bases, or
actions seen as endangering national security can lead to
political tensions and confrontations.

g. Diplomatic Disputes: Political conflicts can also manifest as

diplomatic disputes, such as disagreements over foreign policy,
trade relations, or the violation of international agreements.
Disputes over sovereignty, diplomatic recognition, or
participation in international organizations can strain political
relations.

16. It is important to note that political sources of conflict are often

intertwined with other factors, such as economic interests, cultural
differences, or historical grievances. Understanding the political dynamics
and addressing the underlying causes is crucial for conflict resolution and
the promotion of peaceful relations between nation-states. Diplomatic
negotiations, mediation, and multilateral forums can play a role in
managing and resolving political conflicts.
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Question - 4

17. How do economic factors contribute as a source of conflict and

instability?

Answer-4

18. Economic factors can play a significant role as sources of conflict and
instability. Here are some ways in which economic factors contribute to
conflicts:

a. Competition for Resources: Economic conflicts often arise from

competition over scarce resources, such as land, water,
minerals, or energy sources. When resources are limited,
disputes can occur between individuals, communities, or even
nation-states, leading to conflicts over control, access, or
distribution of these resources.

b. Economic Inequality: High levels of economic inequality within a

society can fuel social grievances and tensions, which may
eventually escalate into conflicts. When a significant portion of
the population is marginalized or excluded from economic
opportunities, it can lead to social unrest, protests, or even
violent uprisings.

c. Poverty and Socioeconomic Challenges: Widespread poverty,

lack of basic necessities, and socioeconomic challenges can
create conditions that are conducive to conflicts. When people
are unable to meet their basic needs, it can lead to frustration,
desperation, and a sense of hopelessness, which may result in
social unrest or even armed rebellion.

d. Unfair Distribution of Wealth: Economic conflicts can arise when

there is perceived unfair distribution of wealth or economic
opportunities. Corruption, cronyism, or policies that favor certain
groups or elites can breed resentment and lead to conflicts
between different socioeconomic classes or ethnic groups.
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e. Trade Disputes and Economic Rivalries: Economic conflicts can

emerge from trade disputes, protectionism, or economic
rivalries between nations. Disagreements over trade policies,
tariffs, or market access can strain diplomatic relations and
potentially escalate into larger conflicts if not managed properly.

f. Economic Impact of Conflict: Conflicts themselves can have

severe economic consequences. Wars or civil unrest can result
in destruction of infrastructure, disruption of trade and
commerce, displacement of populations, and loss of livelihoods.
These economic consequences can further exacerbate existing
conflicts or create new ones.

g. Illicit Economies: Illicit economies, such as organized crime,

drug trafficking, or illegal arms trade, can fuel conflicts and
perpetuate instability. These illegal activities generate
significant profits, corrupt institutions, and undermine the rule of
law, leading to violence and conflict.

19. Addressing economic factors as sources of conflict requires efforts to

promote inclusive economic development, reduce inequality, and ensure
equitable access to resources and opportunities. Effective governance,
transparent institutions, and fair economic policies are essential for
preventing economic grievances from escalating into conflicts. Additionally,
international cooperation, trade agreements, and economic integration can
foster peace and stability by promoting mutual interdependence and shared
prosperity.

Question – 5

20. How do ideological and religious factors contribute as a source

of conflict and instability?

Answer-5

21. Ideological and religious factors can contribute significantly to conflict

and instability. Here are some ways in which these factors can be sources
of conflict:
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a. Clash of Ideologies: Conflicts can arise when different

ideologies clash, particularly when they are deeply ingrained in
the identities and beliefs of individuals or groups. Ideological
differences, such as those based on political systems,
governance models, or societal values, can lead to tension,
polarization, and even violent confrontations.

b. Religious Intolerance: Religious differences can become a

source of conflict when there is a lack of tolerance and respect
for diverse beliefs. Religious extremism, fundamentalism, or the
perception of one religious group dominating or oppressing
others can lead to social divisions, discrimination, and violence.

c. Identity Politics: Identity-based conflicts, including those rooted

in religion or ideology, can emerge when individuals or groups
feel threatened or marginalized due to their religious or
ideological affiliations. The manipulation of identity for political
purposes can exacerbate divisions and fuel conflicts.

d. Ethno-Religious Nationalism: Conflicts can arise when religion

and ethnicity become intertwined with nationalistic sentiments.
Claims of religious or ethnic superiority, demands for self-
determination, or attempts to impose religious or cultural
practices on others can lead to conflicts over identity, territory,
or resources.

e. Religious Extremism and Terrorism: Extremist interpretations of

religious doctrines can lead to acts of terrorism or violence.
Radicalized individuals or groups may resort to violence in
pursuit of religious or ideological goals, often targeting civilians,
religious minorities, or opposing religious sects.

f. Religious Nationalism and Separatism: Conflicts can emerge

when religious groups seek to establish independent states or
separate from existing nations based on religious identity.
These movements often stem from grievances related to
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religious persecution, cultural assimilation, or historical

grievances.

g. Geostrategic Factors: Ideological and religious differences can

be exploited by external actors for geopolitical purposes.
Conflicts may be fueled by interventions, support for proxy
groups, or the manipulation of religious or ideological fault lines
to further geopolitical interests.

22. Addressing ideological and religious factors as sources of conflict

requires promoting interfaith dialogue, fostering religious tolerance, and
addressing socio-political grievances. Encouraging inclusive governance,
protecting minority rights, and promoting secularism can help mitigate
conflicts rooted in religious or ideological divisions. Additionally, promoting
education, cultural exchange, and understanding can play a vital role in
fostering peace, respect, and coexistence among diverse religious and
ideological groups.