Economic Dimension Can the Economy be a Source of Conflicts?

The economy can be used as an intervention tool in a conflict. For example, one state can pressure another state to change its policies by imposing various economic sanctions. Economic factors such as having control over natural or energy resources can also create tensions or conflicts between two states, and can even make other states intervene in these conflicts.

Economic Sanctions The economic sanctions one country imposes on anther as a form of retaliation can range from a simple boycott to an embargo.

Embargo

Boycott

In the case of a boycott, products continue to circulate but consumers are strongly encouraged not to purchase them. During an embargo, the cross border traffic of products is prevented, creating a shortage in the target country that weakens its capacities. Embargos decreed by the international community are not always respected by all countries.

Blockades Countries have occasionally imposed blockades on other countries in the past: the imposing country attempts to isolate the target country by establishing a military encirclement that cuts it off from all outside relations. This is a very aggressive measure and it is rarely used as it causes tensions with other countries.

South Africa In 1984, upon the request of the UN Security Council, several states decree an embargo against South Africa to pressure it to abandon its policy of apartheid. This measure is successful: in 1990 the South African government initiated talks that put an end to its racist policies the following year.

Natural Resources The desire to control natural resources is behind many military manoeuvres of one or more states trying to occupy another sovereign state. We looked at the Congo and how its resources whose neighbours want to get their hands on its abundant natural resources. Because of their superior economic, technological and military abilities developed countries often invade poorer countries.

Water Water is one resource that can be among many in a conflict. Nearly 40% of the worlds populations live along the planets 250 transborder river basins. In many countries, agreements are made to facilitate access to water between states.

When a waterway crosses a border the country in which the waterway originates has power over the country into which it flows, which can create strong tensions between them. Diverting a river can lead to war. For example the plan to divert the Okavango River nearly provokes a conflict between Namibia and Botswana.

Predictions In 1995 the world Bank vice-president declared that the wars of the 21 st century would be fought over water. As populations, pollution and global warming continue to increase water could become a precious resource for years to come, and even extremely scarce in some regions. UNESCO estimates that access to water will become a major global problem by Tensions over water are already being felt.

Energy Several external interventions and conflicts are associated with a desire to control petroleum sources or to ensure its continued supply. China, Europe, India, Japan and the U.S. Have economies that are either highly developed or are experiencing growth. Their seemingly endless need for petroleum means they must ensure that they have access to a sufficient and steady supply.

Parts of the world that are overflowing with petroleum thus present a strong geostratic action. Every major power tries either to control these regions or to have some influence over them. Interventions in these regions often tend to be motivated more by economic interests than by humanitarian or ideological interests.

Petroleum Regions In the Middle East, the U.S. presence on Iraqi soil is linked to Petroleum development. The U.S. Keeps an eye on the Middle East and central Asia, two regions that have either petroleum or oil and gas pipelines on their territory.

Africa’s petroleum has also piqued the interest of the large economic powers. In East Africa, China is adopting a non-interference policy in the international affairs of the countries in which it has a presence. For example despite the crimes committed in Darfur, China supports the Sudanese government because it desperately needs petroleum.

Since 2001 China’s annual consumption has grown by an average of 15% making it the world’s second largest consumer of petroleum.

Issues in Canada Read “the Canadian North” Source of Tension Answer questions on page 218, 219, 220