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The conflict environment is among the most important aspects, if not the most important, in determining peace operation success. Most notably, the conflict environment sets the parameters for the peace operation and determines many of the tasks that need to be performed. In this article, we identify and discuss the key features of the conflict environment from the perspective of policymakers and planners, with special attention paid to those elements that will most dramatically impact peace operations. We divide the set of environmental factors into three broad categories: characteristics of the conflict, local governance, and the local population. Within each of the categories, we discuss the key variables, general indicators, malleability of the conditions to actions by the peacekeepers, and the likely impact of the factors -- separately and as interactive influences -- on operational outcomes. Some challenges posed by assessment issues are entertained before concluding with a discussion of modeling considerations. Adapted from source document.

Most international conflict research focuses on behavior within a given phase or stage of conflict. Little consideration is given to how actions in one phase affect the dynamics of conflict behavior in subsequent phases. This article postulates several different phases of conflict, gives a numerical overview of past research on those phases, and identifies and assesses several different approaches to integrating those phases, including selection effects, rational choice, path dependency, learning, and issue-centered approaches.

This article explores the claim that scholars and policy analysts should direct their attention to understanding new and contemporary conflict phenomena . The idea that contemporary political events should dictate research agendas is something of an anathema to most scholars. In contrast, theory is supposed to stand the test of time, and theoretically drirell research is thought to be the purest form of research, unsullied by the passing headlines of contemporary events. Nenertheless, much scholarly research on international conflict has been driven by coterminous political events. Indeed, sysrematic empirical research can have important rhings to say about allegedly new and emerging conflict phenomena. The first section of this article briefly reviews the evolution of research agendas on international conflict, noting in particular how political events have shaped such changes. Concern is also directed to the other influences on what scholars study. Next is a discussion of the relative merits and disadvantages of "chasing headlines" in research. Finally, and the main focus of the article, is a delineation of four major themes or topics suggested by contemporary political events that could produce fruitful lines of research for international conflict scholars: environmental conflict, ethnic conflict, conflict management and resolution, and internationalized civil conflict.