Journal of Global Peace and Conflict

Conceptual Descriptors of Enduring Interstate Rivalry: The Unremitting Conflict in the Middle East
Ali Alghafli

Abstract
This paper describes the multiple concepts commonly used to designate lingering interstate conflicts, and proposes an integrative conceptual approach that synthesizes components introduced by ‘protracted conflict’ and ‘enduring rivalry’ conceptualizations. Facts and events pertaining to the Middle East conflict before and after the introduction of the peace process are interpreted through three conceptually-driven propositions suggested by the integrative approach. In addition to validating the characteristic longevity of the Middle East conflict, the proposed integrative approach facilitates understanding major events of interstate and domestic violence in the region, ascertains the role of nongovernmental forces in maintaining the endurance of interstate rivalries, and identifies the geographic enlargement of the conflict.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jgpc.v3n2a2