26th Annual Student Research Conference
Masters of Misdirection: Diversionary Conflict and Contested Rivals
Robert P. Markie
Dr. Michael Rudy, Faculty Mentor
By creating generalizations about the conditions that lead to militarized interstate disputes (MIDs) and war, we can hopefully help create a more detailed advisory picture for decision makers. As rivalries and domestic turmoil have both been found to lead to more conflict prone states, understanding what the likely domestic and foreign policy options available to other state leaders (as well as the likelihood of each choice being selected) can enable decision makers to avoid or initiate early in conflict to mitigate the damage done by wars. During times of severe domestic turmoil, leaders are faced with a limited number of options to ensure their survival; one of which includes attempting to distract the masses away from problems at home by creating a larger threat to the country from an outside source by engaging in a militarized interstate dispute. But do leaders try to divert without committing to high cost full-scale violent conflicts, possibly resorting instead to demonstrations or threats of force as a mechanism of misdirection?
Keywords:
Topic(s):Political Science
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 210-1
Location: MG 1000
Time: 9:30