Kindness of Peace

In the long history of human civilization, civil wars and coups against governments have become frequent phenomena in various parts of the world. This phenomenon not only creates social suffering, but also has long-term impacts on the political, economic, and cultural stability of a country. This article will discuss the main causes of civil wars and coups, as well as the impacts they have on society and the state.

Causes of Civil War and Coups

1. Social and Economic Injustice
   Inequality in the distribution of wealth and opportunities is often the main cause of internal conflict. When the majority of society feels marginalized by the economic and political system, they tend to rebel. This inequality is usually exacerbated by rampant corruption and nepotism in government.

2. Government Failure to Meet People's Needs
   A government that fails to provide basic services such as education, health, and security creates dissatisfaction among the people. This dissatisfaction can develop into rebellion or support for a coup attempt.

3. Ethnic or Religious Identity and Divisions
   Differences in ethnic, religious, or cultural identity often trigger conflict. In many cases, the majority or minority group feels marginalized or oppressed, which triggers resistance. Identity conflicts are often exploited by political actors to gain power by inciting hostility.

4. Power Ambition
   Coups often occur because there are individuals or groups who want to seize power by force. This motive is usually driven by the desire to control state resources or to change the direction of policy according to their interests.

5. Foreign Intervention
   Many civil wars and coups occur due to the intervention of foreign countries that support one party. This intervention is usually based on geopolitical or economic interests, such as access to natural resources.

Case Examples of Civil Wars and Coups

1. Civil War in Syria
   This civil war that began in 2011 was sparked by peaceful protests that escalated into armed conflict. The causes include dissatisfaction with the government of Bashar al-Assad, social inequality, and foreign intervention that exacerbated the situation.

2. Coup in Myanmar (2021)
   The Myanmar military overthrew the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The coup was carried out on the grounds of electoral fraud, but many believe that the military simply wanted to maintain their grip on power.

3. Sudanese Civil War
   Sudan has experienced prolonged conflict, both during the North-South civil war and the conflict in Darfur. Economic injustice, ethnic divisions, and authoritarian rule are the main causes.

Impact of Civil War and Coups

1. Economic Losses
   Armed conflict results in the destruction of infrastructure, reduced investment, and paralysis of the economy. Countries experiencing civil war or coups often take decades to recover their economies.

2. Humanitarian Crisis
   Civil war and coups create internal and external refugees, famine, and health crises. For example, millions of people in Syria have been forced to flee their homes due to the ongoing conflict.

3. Political Instability
   Conflict often leaves a trail of political instability, which complicates rebuilding efforts. New governments after a coup are often marked by distrust and vulnerability to new conflicts.

4. Erosion of Social and Cultural Norms
   Wars and coups can destroy the social fabric, leading to the disintegration of society, and the loss of cultural identity. Young people are often the biggest victims, losing access to education and a better future.

Efforts to Prevent Civil War and Coups

1. Increasing Welfare and Equality
   The government needs to ensure a fair distribution of wealth and provide equal access to education, health, and employment for all levels of society. This step can reduce social tensions that trigger conflict.

2. Building Strong and Transparent Institutions
   Strong and transparent institutions can prevent corruption, ensure accountability, and create public trust in government.

3. Promoting Dialogue and Reconciliation
   Encouraging dialogue between ethnic, religious, or political groups is an important step to prevent conflict. Post-conflict reconciliation is also very important for rebuilding a peaceful society.

4. The Role of the International Community
   The international community can play an important role in preventing conflict by providing mediation, sanctions against actors who incite violence, and humanitarian assistance to victims.

Civil wars and coups against governments are complex phenomena and are often triggered by a combination of factors, including social injustice, government failure, identity divisions, ambitions for power, and foreign intervention. The impacts are very detrimental, both economically, politically, and socially. Therefore, collective efforts are needed from the government, society, and the international community to prevent and resolve this conflict. Only with a strong commitment to justice, dialogue, and sustainable development can peace be achieved and maintained.

Involving foreign parties in peace efforts can be a strategic move, but there are several considerations that must be taken into account. Here is an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages of Involving Foreign Parties

1. Neutral Mediation
   Foreign parties, such as the United Nations (UN) or other international organizations, are often seen as neutral parties who can mediate conflicts without taking sides.

2. Financial and Logistical Support
   Conflicts often cause significant damage to a country's infrastructure and economy. Foreign assistance can help provide the resources needed for reconstruction and peacemaking.

3. Experience and Expertise
   Many countries or international organizations have experience dealing with similar conflicts elsewhere. They can provide strategies and approaches that have proven effective.

4. International Pressure
   Foreign intervention can increase pressure on the warring parties to reach a peace agreement, especially through sanctions or diplomatic incentives.

Disadvantages of Involving Foreign Parties

1. Potential Conflict of Interest
   Not all foreign parties act purely for peace. Some may have hidden agendas, such as resource exploitation or geopolitical influence.

2. Dependence
   Excessive foreign involvement can create dependence on external aid, weakening a country’s internal capacity to resolve conflicts on its own.

3. Loss of Sovereignty
   When foreign interventions are too involved, there is a risk that a country will lose control over key decision-making processes.

4. Local Resistance
   Some groups or individuals in a conflicting country may reject foreign involvement as interference in domestic affairs.

So When Are Foreign Intermediaries Needed?

1. When the Conflict Cannot Be Resolved Internally
   When local efforts have failed or there is no trusted mediator, foreign intervention may be the best option to stop the violence.

2. When There is a Serious Humanitarian Crisis
   In situations where the lives of many people are at risk, foreign intervention is often needed to provide emergency assistance and protection.

3. When All Parties Agree
   Foreign intervention is more effective when all parties to the conflict agree to their presence as mediators.

There are advantages and disadvantages to bringing foreign intervention into peace. However, this step must be done carefully and within a framework that ensures the primary interest is the stability and prosperity of the country concerned. Balanced collaboration between local and foreign parties can be the key to success in achieving sustainable peace.