Armed conflict is a complex phenomenon with profound impacts on the lives of civilians. It devastates communities, imposes unsustainable burdens on the economies of affected states and global markets, and hinders a nation’s ability to grow and flourish post-conflict. This article explores the multifaceted causes of armed conflict, from ethnic and religious tensions to political and ideological differences.
A primary catalyst of armed conflict is the pursuit of power and dominance by competing factions. Such competition often escalates into violent confrontations, triggering the eruption of armed conflicts. The pursuit of power and dominance is frequently magnified by historical grievances, manipulation of identity politics, and the exploitation of ethno-religious divides.
Economic motivations also play a critical role in influencing the outbreak of armed conflict. The onset of war invariably stifles economic growth and development by impeding trade, investment, and human capital. As a result, armed conflict triggers extensive financial strain, imposing considerable burdens on both the combatants and non-combatants alike.
A deep understanding of the root causes, risks, and multipliers of armed conflict is essential for developing efficacious conflict prevention, management, and resolution endeavors. Moreover, a comprehensive analysis of the interplay between arms-related risks and other conflict drivers facilitates a more comprehensive assessment of how they may exacerbate the outbreak of conflict. For this purpose, the Toolkit provides a helpful methodology for conducting such an analysis. Its use enables analysts to examine and systematically link a range of arms-related issues in their analyses, thus helping them design better strategies for the protection of civilians in armed conflict.
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