Trends In Global Conflict

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Global Conflict Trends The three chief stimuli behind modern global conflict include; territory, resources, and politics, ideology, culture, and religion. The majority of conflicts, modern and historical, are a combination of two or more of these issues which are usually compounded by other problems stemming from matters relating to demographics, resource depletion, technology, misunderstanding, miscommunication, nationalism and even climate change. A recent UNEP report examined conflict statistics and found that natural resources have played a role in at least 40% of all intrastate conflicts. And, maybe even more noteworthy, land issues have played a substantial role in 27 of the 30 intra-state conflicts that have taken place in Africa since 1990 (United Nations). Although conflict is as old as the human race, the nature of conflict has changed dramatically over the past 60 years. Modern conflicts seem to be more often than not between governments and armed opposition from within their own borders as opposed to historical conflict between nations. And, instead of soldier, conflict-related casualties are now more than 80% civilians rather than soldiers (Nations). Fortunately, conflicts can be resolved when the correct conflict resolution method is implemented whether it be through simple diplomacy, peacekeeping, technology or traditional resolution techniques (AASCU). Territory and Land Conflict Land has many characteristics which make it a valuable target for aggressors. For example, land is a valuable asset and can be seen as food security and cash income. However, land is more than just an asset. It can be something much more important – a source of identity. History, culture and ancestors of communities are secured in l... ... middle of paper ... ...city to pull off any major terror acts in China is doubted. ETIM is designated as a terrorist group by the US under Executive Order 13224 which blocks financial transactions with groups linked to terrorism as well as by the US Terrorists Exclusion List is designed to prevent people connected with terrorist groups from entering the US. However, ETIM it is not included on the State Department's listing of Foreign Terrorist Organizations. The most likely reason ETIM is not listed as a Foreign Terrorist Organization is that: "China does not always distinguish between legitimate political dissent and the advocacy of violence to overthrow the government, and it has used counterterrorism as a pretext to suppress the Uighur. China's government characterizes Uighur discontent, peaceful political activism, and some forms of religious observance as terrorist activity" (China).

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