Why most international conflicts lead to violence
International conflicts are often influenced by elements outside the interests of the parties to the dispute. International conflicts are commonly driven by the perception of fear or the reputation of states in conflict. All these elements are subjective. They are not strictly defined and are subject to varied interpretations according to the circumstances.
Violence is a typical result of international conflicts. It often arises when the states in conflict engage in hard-line stance and do not compromise on their end of the bargain. Lack of effective international relations among nations limits the role of negotiation in international dispute resolution. Such elements heighten the probability of the use of violence.
Further, the instances where the subject matter of the conflict is a core economic resource often inclines the use of violence by the conflicting states. The reference to the value of the dispute means that the state stands to lose heavily if the dispute is not resolved in its favour. The use of violence or the threat of use of violence is an effective way of wading off the other state interested in the subject matter. Nonetheless, the approach often creates a high probability of violence between the conflicting parties.
Additionally, the lack of democracy is another contributing factor in international conflicts leading to wars. If one of the regimes is totalitarian, it will not adhere to the democratic ideals necessary for an amicable solution. Most of the leaders in totalitarian regimes have no reference to procedures in international dispute resolution. The politicization of complex international matters extends the threat of violence in international conflicts.