Conflict & Security — Glossary

Military and civilian missions led by the AU to prevent, manage, and resolve conflicts on the African continent.

A political theory that emphasizes the positive role of ongoing conflict and disagreement in democratic societies to foster vibrant political engagement.

A situation where a state is dragged into an unwanted conflict due to obligations to an ally under a security agreement.

A foreign policy strategy of conceding to aggressive demands to avoid conflict, notably used by Britain and France toward Nazi Germany before World War II. It often risks encouraging further aggression.

A situation of sustained combat between two or more organized armed groups, triggering the application of international humanitarian law.

Conflict where opposing forces differ significantly in military capabilities or tactics, often involving guerrilla or unconventional methods.

A temporary stoppage of hostilities between conflicting parties to allow negotiations or humanitarian aid.

The process of observing and verifying adherence to agreed pauses in hostilities during conflicts, often conducted by international organizations or peacekeepers. It helps build trust and prevent escalations.

An act by a party in a conflict that breaches an agreed temporary halt to hostilities, undermining peace efforts.

Using threats or limited force to persuade an adversary to change its behavior without full-scale war.

Actions taken by conflicting parties to reduce tensions and build trust, often preceding formal peace negotiations.

Negotiations between states during a high-tension situation where threats and concessions determine outcomes.

Urgent diplomatic efforts aimed at managing or resolving sudden international conflicts or emergencies to prevent escalation.

The condition in which adversaries avoid escalating conflicts during crises due to mutual deterrence or communication.

The use of digital attacks by states or non-state actors to damage or disrupt adversaries' information systems or infrastructure.

A strategy aimed at discouraging aggression by convincing an adversary that their attack will fail or have no benefit.

A strategy that discourages hostile actions by threatening severe retaliation if such actions occur.

A strategy that prevents aggression by threatening credible and severe retaliation.

Instances where efforts to establish lasting peace after conflict collapse, leading to renewed violence or instability.

A country where the government cannot provide basic services or security, leading to loss of control and potential humanitarian crises.

A measurement tool assessing the vulnerability of a state to collapse based on social, economic, and political indicators.

International treaties setting standards for humanitarian treatment during war, including protections for civilians and prisoners.

A conflict aimed at determining or challenging the dominant power or hegemon in the international system.

Temporary suspension of hostilities to allow delivery of aid or evacuation of civilians during armed conflict.

Designated safe routes established to allow civilians and aid to move through conflict zones without harm.

Humanitarian intervention is the use of military force by one or more states to prevent or stop widespread suffering or human rights violations in another state.

An organized rebellion aimed at overthrowing or undermining a government through irregular warfare tactics.

People forced to flee their homes but who remain within their country's borders due to conflict or disasters.

A jihadist militant group that controlled large parts of Iraq and Syria from 2014, known for extreme violence and terrorism.

A concept focusing on establishing fair and lasting peace through justice, reconciliation, and addressing root causes of conflict.

A moral framework that evaluates the justification and conduct of war based on principles like legitimate authority and proportionality.

Ethical and legal arguments used to legitimize the initiation or conduct of armed conflict.

Military actions involving direct physical force such as airstrikes, artillery, or ground combat.

Organized military forces that operate independently of recognized state governments, often involved in insurgencies or conflicts.

The 1991 military campaign by coalition forces to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation during the Gulf War.

The use of coercive military measures by international forces to restore peace in conflict zones without the consent of all parties.

Military interventions authorized by international bodies to restore peace, often using force beyond traditional peacekeeping.

Efforts undertaken after conflict to rebuild institutions, promote reconciliation, and prevent the recurrence of violence.

Peacekeeping deploys international forces to maintain ceasefires and create conditions for lasting peace in conflict zones.

Military attack launched to prevent an imminent threat from an adversary's offensive action.

A conflict where external powers support opposing sides without direct involvement in the fighting.

An insurgency supported or instigated by an external state actor to advance its strategic interests indirectly.

A conflict where two opposing states or powers support combatants that serve their interests instead of fighting directly.

Conflicts where two opposing powers support different sides without direct confrontation, common during the Cold War.

An international norm that states have the responsibility to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity.

An international norm that states must protect their populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity.

A rebel group that ended the 1994 Rwandan Genocide by defeating the Hutu-led government and taking control of Rwanda.

Situation where actions by a state to increase its security cause insecurity in others, leading to arms races or conflict.

Processes aimed at improving a state's security institutions to be effective, accountable, and aligned with democratic norms.

Ongoing internal conflicts in Sudan involving ethnic, political, and resource disputes leading to humanitarian crises.

Negotiation and cooperation processes over shared water resources to prevent conflict and promote sustainable use.

A zero-sum game describes a situation where one party’s gain is exactly balanced by another’s loss.

Zero-sum politics views political gains by one group as losses by another, emphasizing competition over cooperation.