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Res Publica - Journal of Undergraduate Research

Abstract

Given the recent proliferation of intrastate conflict, the role of third-party intervention has become increasingly important to the peace and security of the International System. However, the escalation of violence often attributed to military forms of intervention may have severe costs for both the target of intervention and the state choosing to intervene. Past literature has focused on the effectiveness of such intervention without properly evaluating the reasons why a third-party chooses to commit military resources to such endeavors. This study will examine both the relative capabilities of the actors involved, and the stated reasons for intervention, in an attempt to discover what set of circumstances cause aggressive forms of intervention. Cost-benefit analysis is employed by third parties and is assumed to dictate the way in which intervention takes place. Ultimately, the material interests of the intervener seem to play a significant role in the decision to take aggressive action in a target state.

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