Understanding National and International Conflicts Is Key to Resolving Them
National and international conflicts represent various kinds and levels of discord, manifesting in different forms and types. Although they may appear distinct, they often share similar root causes. National conflict occurs within a single nation or country, whereas international conflict involves two or more countries, which may be neighboring or distant.
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What Is a National Conflict?
Conflicts at the national level can transcend tribal lines, as seen in South Sudan since 2013 and Rwanda in 1994. While inter-tribal conflicts may escalate to national or even international levels, a national conflict, also known as an intra-national conflict, occurs within a country.
A nation at war with itself, a scenario common in many countries, is experiencing a national conflict. Such conflicts may arise from political disputes, competition over resources, religious differences, or ideological divisions among the populace.
Regardless of the cause or extent, if the conflict operates at the national level, it becomes a national issue. Moreover, national conflicts have the potential to affect neighboring countries, influenced by various real-world factors.
For instance, if a government faces an insurmountable rebellion, it might call upon its allies for support. This occurred in 1941 when the US aided South Korea against North Korea, leading to China’s involvement to support the North Korean regime, pushing back UN forces.
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What Is an International Conflict?
An international conflict differs from a national one, although it may sometimes stem from a national dispute. Such a conflict occurs between two sovereign states or nations. I have previously provided an example of an international conflict.
As we will explore, conflicts have various causes. Occasionally, international conflicts may even involve tribes and ethnic groups from neighboring countries. I recall an incident where a Kenyan police officer demanded 10,000 Kenyan shillings from me due to tensions at the Kenya-South Sudan border.
It’s a lengthy tale worthy of its own article. I doubted his legitimacy as a police officer and questioned whether a bribe would grant me entry against the country’s laws. He offered no reply. Expressing concern over his and his colleagues’ conduct, I warned that such actions could escalate into serious issues between the neighboring nations. He dismissed me, claiming I knew too much.
This incident illustrates how minor issues can escalate into significant international disputes. I ponder whether Kenyan citizens face similar treatment in South Sudan and other East African nations, or if it’s an isolated occurrence. The officer accused us of being inherently violent. In response, I reminded him of the 2007 unrest in Kenya, questioning whether the combatants were South Sudanese mercenaries or Kenyans. I cautioned him that war might seem distant in discussion, but its reality is dreadful.
What Causes Both National and International Conflicts?
Numerous well-known factors contribute to national and international conflicts. Although conflicts involve many individuals, each person is a part of the larger societal structure. A country comprises individuals, families, clans, and tribes, all of which can play roles in either conflict or peace.
Common causes of conflicts at both levels include competition for resources and political power. Ideologies can also lead to wars and conflicts between nations. However, fundamentally, human nature is often at the root of conflicts, whether personal, familial, clan-based, tribal, national, or international.
This stems from the fact that human desires permeate every level of society, particularly within government or positions of political power. For instance, in South Sudan, disputes over grazing lands and water have led to conflicts between tribes, both within and beyond national borders.
The border issues between Kenya and South Sudan are primarily tribal, not political. These tribes have coexisted for many years, alternating between conflict and peace. While these disputes are not inherently international, they can escalate to that level if politicians choose to exploit them.
Personal interests continue to be a source of discord at all societal levels, as evidenced by the relationship between the USA and South Sudan. During South Sudan’s initial conflict with the North, (now Sudan), the USA provided substantial support. However, following South Sudan’s independence in July 2011, the dynamics changed.
The US had expectations of benefiting from South Sudan’s resources, which did not materialize, leading to a shift in the US’s stance and subsequent regret for its initial support. This shift is reflected in the devaluation of the South Sudanese Pound since 2014, indicating that currency strength is largely, if not entirely, influenced by political factors.
How Do We Resolve Both National and International Conflicts?
Numerous approaches exist for resolving conflicts at any scale. I have authored a comprehensive book on this subject, available on Amazon. Despite the variety of conflict resolution strategies, many repeatedly fail, as evidenced by the United Nations’ peacekeeping efforts.
Identifying the underlying causes of conflict is a prerequisite for resolution, akin to a doctor diagnosing an illness before prescribing treatment. Similarly, understanding the origins of a conflict is essential before proposing solutions to halt or prevent future occurrences.
Secondly, negotiating a lasting solution to conflict at any level is crucial. This involves finding ways to end or prevent conflict altogether. It requires both parties to acknowledge their wrongdoings to each other before any true reconciliation can occur. This process is applicable at all levels of conflict, whether at home, within clans, tribes, or nations, and even between countries.
Thirdly, achieving a level of compromise or reconciliation is necessary. Once it is acknowledged that both sides have committed wrongs or caused harm during the conflict, a compromise must be reached. This compromise should stem from a mutual desire to resolve the conflict, necessitating forgiveness and acceptance from both parties.
Fourthly, there must be a development of passion and love between former enemies. While this may result from peace and reconciliation, it is also an integral part of conflict resolution. Such mutual affection can help prevent the re-escalation of conflict.
Finally, unity between former adversaries, now friends and collaborators, is essential. This unity is not just an outcome of peace but a means to maintain harmony in the future. The question remains, how do we achieve these five levels of conflict management?
These goals can be pursued either forcefully, which often fails, or voluntarily, which can yield remarkable results if the conflicting parties are willing. Forcing peace or war is ineffective if the parties involved are not convinced of its necessity. Hence, peace is never imposed by force; it must be founded on valid reasons, of which there are many. Let us explore some of these reasons.
Why Do We Resolve Both National and International Conflicts?
Indeed, there are compelling reasons for reconciliation and the pursuit of peace and harmony, which can occur at any societal level. This includes families, clans, tribes, nations, and even internationally. Despite our fondness for discussing peace, it seems conflict often prevails over peace and harmony.
In every society, there are individuals akin to both Cain and Abel, and this dichotomy is not exclusive to humans; it extends to the animal kingdom, where both peaceful and aggressive behaviors are observed within families, clans, tribes, and nations. Conflicts are even present among insects.
On a personal note, I advocate for the resolution of conflicts at all levels, as they are costly and detrimental. Conflict is an integral part of life, so pervasive that it is thought to exist even in heaven, highlighting the gravity of the issue. It suggests that complete eradication of conflict may be unattainable.
Nevertheless, I hope for effective methods to manage conflicts, even if they cannot be entirely prevented. The imperative to resolve conflicts stems from their destructive nature, which is undesirable in any society. My perspective on the severity of conflict is shaped by personal experience, having been born and raised in the war-torn country of Sudan, which plunged into civil war shortly before gaining her own independence from the Britons.
What Is the Importance of Conflict Resolution?
If peace is crucial, then so is conflict resolution. As previously stated, peace is beneficial, yet many of us favor conflict over peace, which is the root of discord. Imagine if the majority of people on earth cherished and strived for peace; conflicts would be less frequent.
However, the reality is often the opposite. People tend to favor war and conflict over peace and harmony, a sad truth throughout human history. History’s tendency to repeat itself is proof of our affinity for war. Despite the prevalence of conflict, a minority remains dedicated to peace and prosperity, and I count myself among these advocates of peace.
The significance of conflict resolution lies in peace itself. Resolving conflicts at any societal level fosters peace, whether it be personal, familial, tribal, national, or international. Peace is paramount, regardless of the level or the reasons behind it.
Understanding the importance of resolving conflicts within oneself, and with others, including God and fellow humans, is crucial. Peace is also necessary between humans and the other creatures that share our environment. Conflicts arise not only among humans but also between us and other species.
Consequently, animals and birds can sense when we are at peace or in conflict with them. They may choose to defend themselves (fight) or flee (flight) depending on their perception of our intentions. I believe wild animals are not inherently wild but are perceived as such because humans can act more wildly than the wildest creatures on the planet earth. If we are capable of harming each other, what then of the creatures we consider insignificant?
My Final Words
As we reach the conclusion of this article, I extend my congratulations to you, particularly if you’ve journeyed from the start to this point. Before you depart, here’s my two cents.
Peace is crucial, yet not everyone cherishes and strives for it. Nevertheless, this doesn’t exempt us from doing our part. A balance is necessary.
For instance, if you’re a proponent of peace, it’s natural to feel frustrated with those who aren’t cooperative. It’s important to stay true to ourselves. Conversely, if you’re indifferent to peace—as many are—embrace that truth as well. Honesty with oneself is often the first step to self-improvement.
I trust this article has been beneficial to you on a personal level. Feel free to share your reflections in the comments section below; I’m eager to read them. Moreover, I pray for the safety and well-being of you and your loved ones during and beyond the global pandemic.
Shalom!