Analyze and evaluate conditions, actions, and motivations that contribute to conflict and cooperation within and among nations.

The conditions that contribute to conflict or cooperation among nations are similar to the conditions that contribute to conflict or cooperation among individuals. When individuals or groups of individuals (even very large groups, like nations) come into contact with each other, there is a natural exchange of ideals, values, and preferences. In many instances, these exchanges reveal disparities in power, wealth, or other desirable resources, like land. In the light of such comparative disadvantages, less fortunate individuals or groups often develop a desire to acquire the things possessed by the more fortunate individuals or groups. These desires can lead to conflict, cooperation, or inaction. In very simple terms, the less fortunate individual or group has three possible choices. First, they can attempt to take what is wanted by force. Second, they can seek to cooperate (or trade) for what is desired. Third, they can simply accept the disparity as a matter of fact and go on with life.

What makes the difference? How do nations choose between their available options? Why do some nations coexist peacefully while others enter into conflict, even war? To help answer this question, it is helpful to consider some examples of the kinds of conflicts that arise between nations. Consider the following:

• Two nations claim ownership of (or right to occupy) the same territory.
• Neighboring nations have huge disparities in available natural resources.
• Two neighbors adhere to a particular set of religious doctrines with varying degrees of fervor. The leaders and people of the more fervent nation believe the other (less fervent) nation is corrupt. Consequently, the people of the less fervent nation are viewed as victims of a renegade government that ought to be replaced.
• Long-standing ethnic or racial differences between neighboring countries cause constant tensions over trade, international travel, and even the borders between the two countries.
• A nation or nations feel threatened by the actions or perceived intentions of another nation.
• One nation’s economic policies seem aimed at harming the economy of another nation.

How do nations, or more particularly, the leaders of these nations, decide what to do in such circumstances? In years gone by, the most common basis for these decisions was the relative size of one’s military might. If a leader saw that his or her nation had the ability to overpower a rival nation, the leader might simply pursue his or her goal at gunpoint.