Evolution in Domestic Politics and the Development of Rivalry: The Bolivia-Paraguay Case

Abstract

Interstate conflicts emerge when domestic political parties & other groups decide to call attention to existing hostile relations with an external enemy. These conflicts are enhanced when disputed territory becomes an issue & when an entrenched history of conflict already exists. The conflict between Bolivia & Paraguay illustrates the manner in which evolutionary changes in domestic & international politics can instigate conflict. The basic rivalry level (BRL) model & the evolutionary model of conflict are supported by empirical evidence. This is true in cases involving conflicts that emerge as a result of political shock & cases where there exists a history of past conflict. 1 Table, 51 References. K. Larsen