Conflict in global politics arises from a combination of political, economic, social, and ideological factors. In the IB Global Politics course, conflict is not explained by a single cause but by overlapping pressures that interact over time. Understanding these causes helps explain why conflicts emerge, escalate, and persist despite efforts to prevent them.
One major cause of conflict is competition for power. States and political actors often seek to protect or expand their influence, security, or territory. In an international system without a central authority, fear and mistrust can drive actors toward confrontation. Power struggles between states, or between governments and opposition groups, frequently lead to violence when compromise fails.
Economic factors also play a significant role. Scarcity of resources such as land, water, or energy can intensify tensions, particularly where resources are unevenly distributed. Poverty and inequality can increase grievances, making societies more vulnerable to conflict. In IB Global Politics, economic causes are often linked to structural inequality rather than individual greed.
Another key cause is identity and ideology. Conflicts may arise from ethnic, religious, national, or ideological differences, especially when identities are politicised. Leaders may mobilise identity to gain support or marginalise opponents. While identity alone does not cause conflict, its manipulation can deepen divisions and justify violence.
Weak governance and political exclusion are also major contributors. When governments fail to represent or protect certain groups, resentment can grow. Lack of political participation, corruption, and repression reduce legitimacy and increase the likelihood of resistance. In IB analysis, conflict is often seen as a response to exclusion rather than random violence.
Historical factors matter as well. Past conflicts, colonial legacies, and unresolved grievances can shape present tensions. Borders drawn without regard to local identities, or histories of repression, can create long-term instability. These historical causes explain why some regions experience recurring conflict.
International influences also contribute. External intervention, arms flows, and proxy competition can escalate local disputes into larger conflicts. Global power politics often intensify conflicts rather than resolve them. This shows how domestic and international causes of conflict are interconnected.
For IB Global Politics students, strong answers explain that conflict is multicausal. High-level analysis identifies several causes, explains how they interact, and avoids simplistic explanations. Conflict emerges not from one factor alone, but from the combination of power struggles, inequality, identity, governance failure, and historical context.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is conflict caused mainly by power struggles?
Power struggles are important, but not the only cause. Economic, social, and political factors also matter. IB answers should avoid single-cause explanations.
Does poverty cause conflict?
Poverty alone does not cause conflict, but inequality and exclusion increase risk. Structural factors are more important than income alone. This distinction is key in IB analysis.
Are identity differences the main cause of conflict?
Identity differences become dangerous when politicised. They rarely cause conflict on their own. IB students should explain how identity is used politically.
How does weak governance lead to conflict?
Weak governance creates exclusion, corruption, and lack of legitimacy. These conditions encourage resistance and instability. IB answers should link governance to legitimacy.
How should this topic be answered in exams?
Students should identify multiple causes and explain how they interact. Linking domestic and international factors strengthens answers. Balanced analysis leads to higher marks.
