Chapter 16

1
Chapter 16 Conflict Around the World

• The Global Context Conflict In A Changing World
• Sociological Theories Of Conflict And War
• Causes Of War

2
Chapter 16 Conflict Around the World

• Social Problems Associated With War And
  Militarism
• Conflict In A Post-cold War Era
• Strategies For Action In Search Of Global Peace

3
 Global Conflict and War

• Never in recorded history has there been a time
  when conflict didnt exist.
• In 2000, conflict existed in about 40 different
  locations in the world.

4
War and the Development of Civilization

• War resulted in small groups and villages
  becoming incorporated into larger political
  chiefdoms.
• Centuries of war between chiefdoms culminated in
  the development of the state.

5
U.S. Military Spending

• 300 billion in 2001 includes expenditures for
• salaries of military personnel
• research and development
• weapons
• veterans benefits
• other defense-related expenses

6
Structural-Functionalist Perspective

• Gives members a common cause and a common
  enemy.
• In short term, war increases employment and
  stimulates economy.
• Inspires developments that are useful to
  civilians.

7
Conflict Perspective on War

• War is the result of antagonisms that emerge when
  two or more groups struggle for control of
  resources.
• War benefits corporate, military, and political
  elites.

8
Symbolic Interactionist Perspective

• Meanings and definitions influence attitudes and
  behaviors regarding conflict and war.
• Attitudes and behaviors that support war develop
  in childhood.
• Most world governments preach peace through
  strength, rather than strength through peace.

9
 Causes of War

• Conflict over Land and Other Natural Resources
• Conflict over Values and Ideologies
• Racial and Ethnic Hostilities
• Defense against Hostile Attacks
• Revolution
• Nationalism

10
Conflict over Values and Ideologies

• World War II was largely a war over democracy
  versus fascism.
• Cold War largely involved conflict over
  capitalism versus communism.
• Wars over differing religious beliefs have led to
  some of the worst episodes of bloodshed in
  hiistory.

11
Americans Killed in Wars

• over 53,000 in WWI
• 292,000 in WWII,
• 34,000 in Korea
• 47,000 in Vietnam

12
Social Problems of War Death and Disability

• More than a quarter of a million people worldwide
  have been disabled by landmines.
• War depletes labor force, creates orphans and
  single-parent families, and burdens taxpayers who
  must pay for the care of orphans and disabled war
  veterans.

13
Social Problems of WarWomen and Children

• Before and during WWII, the Japanese military
  forced 100,000 to 200,000 women and girls into
  prostitution as military comfort women.
• Albanian women have been raped by Serbian and
  Yugoslavian soldiers.
• Refugee women and female children are vulnerable
  to sexual abuse and exploitation.

14
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Symptoms include recurring nightmares,
  flashbacks, poor concentration.
• Associated with family violence, alcoholism,
  divorce, and suicide.
• Estimate 30 of male veterans of the Vietnam war
  have experienced PTSD, and about 15 continue to
  experience it.

15
Destruction of the Environment

• Vietnam
• 13 million tons of bombs left 25 million bomb
  craters.
• 19 million gallons of herbicides were spread over
  the countryside.
• 80 of Vietnam's forests and swamplands were
  destroyed by bulldozing or bombing.

16
The Gulf War

• 6,000 bombs were dropped.
• Iraqi troops set 650 oil wells on fire.
• 6-8 million barrels of oil were spilled into the
  Gulf waters.

17
Terrorism on the Increase

• Acts of terrorism have increased in recent years
  with a total of 392 in 1999.
• Defensive strategies include strengthening
  security.
• Offensive strategies include retaliatory raids
  group infiltration, and preemptive strikes.

18
Terrorism Difficult to Combat

• Hackers illegally gain access to classified
  information on computers.
• Internet allows groups to coordinate efforts.
• Globalization provides international markets
  where terrorists can purchase explosives, guns,
  electronic equipment, etc.

19
World Government

• Three trends that may lead to world government
• Global cooperation in environmental issues.
• Wealthy countries have supported nations in need.
• International criminal court has power to condemn
  those found guilty of war and crimes against
  humanity.