Qn: Competing over border territory is the most important reason for conflict among nations. Do you agree?

EYA(Managing International Relations)

Yes, I agree that competing over border territory is the most important reason for conflict among nations because conflicts arise when no clear border can be drawn and countries lay claims over it. This is because acquiring such border territories could affect national security as these areas could be used as entry into the country. For example, there was no clearly defined border around Aksai Chin and the NEFA between India and China in the mountainous Himalayas. In 1958, China built a road in Aksai Chin and tension increased into fighting. War broke out in 1962 but although it ended quickly, there have been several border incidents as this issue is still not resolved until today. Therefore, competing over border territory is the most important reason for conflict among nations because most countries do not have a clearly defined border and so to ensure the sustainability of their national interests and defence, nations felt threatened when these territories are claimed by other nations; hence conflict is inevitable. However, competition for scarce resources is also an important reason for conflict among nations because there is a need to ensure their survival. Iceland has few natural resources hence she depends on her fishing industry for survival. In the 1970s, her food stock was threatened because of over fishing by British fishermen in the seas around Iceland . Iceland made suggestions to the UN Conference on the Law of the Sea and in 1975, Iceland extended its zone of control over fishing ground to 200 nautical miles. Britain refused to acknowledge the new boundary and Iceland broke off diplomatic ties with Britain. As fishing plays an important part to the economy of both countries, there have been serious clashes and frequent collisions between British and Iceland vessels inside the disputed area. The conflict has greatly affected the economy of both countries. Therefore, competition for scarce resources is an important reson for conflict among nations because most countries are limited in resources and when these resources are further threatened by the encroachment of other nations, their survival is at stake . Hence, confict will definitely arise.

However, competing over ideological beliefs is also an important reason for conflict between countries because it leads to distrust and animosity among to two. The Korean War from 1950 til 1953 occurred because North and South Korea practice different political ideologies North Korea is communist whilst South Korea is democratic. After WW2, Korea was divided into two halves at the 38th parallel. The northern part was temporarily occupied by the USSR and the Southern part of Korea by the USA. Since both sides were occupied by superpowers, neither were willing to compromise their ideology. The fear of compromising their ideology has often led to clashes at the borders between North and South Korea. Therefore, competing over ideological beliefs is the most important reason for conflict among nations because countries in the world are separately governed based on the different types of government according to their ideological beliefs system. W hen their belief systems are threatened by another belief system, nations will need to defend it at all costs, even having protracted wars. In conclusion, competing over border territory is the most important reason for conflict among nations as acquired new territory means increased political power and supremacy. The country s territorial sphere of influence and air space are now expanded which means more resources. Even if there is a common ideology, it does not mean that one country is willing to share its resources with another country. Territory and resources are thus more important than ideology because ideology is usually used as an excuse for expanded territorial interests.