The root causes of armed conflict are many and varied. However, a clear understanding of the interplay between these various issues can help us to understand why people resort to violence and how to promote peaceful solutions. The most important element of any armed conflict is what are often described as the “logs” or heavy wood of the situation, which is the reason behind why many armed conflicts linger on for decades: Appalling socio-economic conditions; large disparities between different groups, particularly those based on ethnic or religious ties; unresolved disputes over resources, economic affairs and territory; military rivalries; and manipulation of identity politics are all common drivers of conflict.
The definition of armed conflict in international humanitarian law (IHL) is broader than that of war, in that it applies to any situation where combatants are using or intending to use force against one another. As the Commentary to the First Geneva Convention states, the term ‘armed conflict’ was introduced to ensure that States do not attempt to deny the application of IHL by claiming that they are engaged in police action rather than war (see article 2, Protocol Additional to the 1949 Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts).
A number of other factors also contribute to armed conflicts, including sexism, poverty, greed and the proliferation of weapons. The impact of these factors can be seen in the growing numbers of civilian casualties and the displacement of people, which have devastating consequences for human lives, regional stability and the global economy.