Major Armed Conflicts

In: SIPRI yearbook: armaments, disarmament and international security, S. 15-51

Abstract

Major armed conflicts in 2000 revealed a diverse set of antagonistic groups, variously driven by political ambitions, economic motives, ideology, & fear. The ultimate objective of all the antagonists was to secure control of governmental power or territory. In addition, individuals within the groups & their outside supporters sometimes were motivated by personal greed. Communal identity was a common tool used by leaders to define & motivate a group. It did not appear to be a cause of violence by itself. All but two major armed conflicts in 2000 were intrastate. However, the vast majority of them exhibited transnational characteristics that threatened regional stability. Virtually all the conflicts elicited the direct political, economic, or military involvement of other states & multinational organizations. Adapted from the source document.