Topic 11: Challenges to peace and security (1945–   )

Since 1945 the world has witnessed a range of challenges to regional and global security by people and groups motivated by political, economic, and/or religious ideologies. These people and groups have frequently worked across borders and posed social, political, and economic challenges to traditional national governments and the wider international community. Their legitimacy, methods, ideology, power, and long-term influence are highly contested.

Students investigate differing perspectives on, interpretations of, and responses to the challenges posed by one or more groups, through one case study or a comparison of two or more case studies.

The following are focus areas for study in this topic:

• the overview of conflicts
• ideologies and tactics of conflict
• the impacts of conflict
• national, regional, and international responses.

The overview of conflicts

• The role of non-state people and groups since 1945 in disputes over contested spaces, political ideologies, religious differences, and struggles for ethnic autonomy. Examples include perspectives that see the same people and groups viewed respectively as ‘terrorists’ or ‘freedom fighters’; perspectives of and on modern nations that trace their governments from a struggle between state and non-state groups; and responses to and of groups that have fought unsuccessfully against states.

Ideologies and tactics of conflict

• The role of key individuals and groups in supporting, opposing, or remaining neutral about guerrilla and other non-state military tactics. Examples include justifications provided by leaders and movements for using non-peaceful methods to achieve change, rather than peaceful ones; tactics of key individuals and groups; and interpretations of history to support particular perspectives. 

The impacts of conflict

• The impacts of conflict on social, economic, and political stability and growth. Examples include changes to national security measures and privacy legislation; the movement of people, including refugees and migrants; the physical, psychological, and social impacts of conflict; the establishment of refugee camps in neighbouring and other countries; the expansion of the arms trade; and social reform.

National, regional, and international responses

• The nature of responses by national governments, coalitions, and international bodies. Examples include the role of the United Nations, non-government organisations, international aid bodies, and advocacy groups; the relationships between local groups and transnational supporters; the resolution of conflict; the control of the arms trade; and the truth and reconciliation commissions.