The Role of Hard and Soft Power to Resolve Conflicts
Soft Power
Co-option – the process where opponents potential opponents become closely tied (The EU)
example – France and Germany fought 4 wars before coming together in the EU.
Government Diplomacy – The process of international negotiations taking place through
government to prevent or resolve conflict.
example – Arctic Ocean basin (most likely) Canada, Russia, Denmark sovereign? US and
other nations say it is internationals waters.
Hard Power
Aid payments and bribes – Often from a wealthier country to a poorer country for
support.(Cold War, both sides did this).
Sanctions – measures taken by countries or international organization (UN/NATO) against
countries to force them to change policies. Can be financial (freeze assets of leaders),
military (no fly zones – as in Iraq and Libya).
Force – Obviously war! Asymmetric warfare (one side much stronger than the other) is
becoming more common. The weak side uses unique tactics such as car bombs and suicide
bombers.
Causes of Conflict
Natural Resource Conflict – Disputes over the control and use of natural resources. (Oil,
water, diamonds)
Territorial Conflict – When 2 or more groups wish to control the same territory (IsraeliPalestinian conflict).
Cultural Conflict – Often between indigenous peoples and the majority population that
migrated to the country. (Canada, S.A., Australia).
Religious Conflict – One of the most powerful forces in the world. (Ireland – Catholics
verse Protestants, Iraq –Sunni verses Shiite Muslims)
Costs of Conflict
-There are many ways to consider the costs of war but it is often very complex. To examine
the costs of conflict, one should consider some of the following factors;
1) The number of deaths
2) The number of people injured and to what severity
3) Deaths and injury after the war (from left over mines for example)
4) Money spent on military is money NOT spent on social and economic development
(Africa!!)
5) Damage to buildings and infrastructure and associated costs
6) Environmental damage (Kuwait)
7) Future population impacts (many young men often killed)