Local Religious Conflicts are International Issues

Abstract

Domestic conflicts, including religious conflicts, are becoming increasingly international issues. Since the end of the Cold War, a greater proportion of world conflicts are domestic ones (David, 1997; Huntington, 2000). Many of these domestic conflicts, in turn, become internationalized (Sarkees et al., 2003: 49–70; Fearon and Laitin, 2003: 75–90). This can occur for several reasons. First, they often cross borders and can destabilize an entire region as did the various ethnic and national conflicts in the former Yugoslavia. Second, the successes of groups on one side of the world can often inspire similar groups on the other to rebel. Third, the growing presence of the international media publicizes these conflicts throughout the world. Fourth, since the end of the Cold War superpower rivalry international intervention has become more feasible and, thereby, more common. Fifth, those involved in domestic conflicts often seek to use international forums and pressure in order to further their aims. Sixth, conflicts often result in international refugee flows. Seventh, the groups involved in the conflict often have national, religious, or ethnic ties with groups living in other states. Eighth, international organizations and forums are increasingly used by the parties in conflicts and their allies in order to further their goals.