Inter-State Wars in the 21st Century: Implications for Global Peace and Security

Abstract

The inter-state wars in the 21^st century, has remained a major concern to global peace and security. The thinking was that the post- Cold War global system would usher in a more peaceful and secured world; but what we have instead is an international system that is characterized by conflicts. The paper advanced reasons for international collaboration and cooperation in a world ravaged by conflicts with a view to ascertaining whether globalization alone without sacrifices, guarantees international peace and security. It is on this problematic premise that this paper critiqued the argument that globalization has ameliorated conflicts in the international system. The paper employed the qualitative content analysis approach and relied mainly on secondary sources of data, such as textbooks, journal articles, periodicals, etc., and argued that previous studies was on the major in-roads made by the US led liberalization without considering the factors made on all fronts. It is within this gap that this paper interrogated why wars still persist, despite the bogus claim of its amelioration. It is revealed that though the East/West rivalry eased off after the Cold War, but recent events in the globe points to resurgence of conflicts among others. The paper concludes that concerted international cooperation is somewhat absent amongst major powers. What is evidence is unilateralism as against collectivism. The paper recommends the need for major powers, and the international community in general, to synergize and show the political will to cooperate in all fronts; by this, conflicts, would be mitigated.