What factors influence conflict dynamics as we look at why individuals, groups, and nations engage in conflict? Why do you think humans seem so willing to commit horrible acts of atrocity against other humans in the name of justice, security, and peace?
Based on the simulation we did in class, I think it's really apparent that conflicts are influenced by sizes of nations, determination to remain neutral or to retain heritage/image, resources of food and materials for shelter and energy, military strength--all of those played into the extent and craziness of the conflicts in class. The nation that was smallest and had the most food supplies was, in a way, extremely stable, but the cookie nation, with its willingness to open its borders and share its resources, had the best economy and future prospects.
This kind of thing plays into the international arena as well. America is willing to enter into treaties and relations with nations that have resources we don't, like oil, and other countries are willing to treaty with us in exchange for the protection that comes with association with a militarily strong first-world country (sometimes--sometimes our international reputation makes countries want to avoid us).
People really want to feel safe, and they really want the things they perceive are necessary for good quality of life. In order to get those things, they're willing to go to pretty far lengths and sometimes make compromises that may look morally wrong or logistically not that smart (for example, allying with a country that may use its military superiority to take you over some time in the future for the promise of protection in the present (not necessarily a real example)).
I think that's really the reason behind a lot of the terrible things that get done. People want to protect their identity and they want to protect themselves, and it's easy to justify things as "breaking a few eggs to make the omelette" when that happens.
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