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Bones of Contention

Author

Listed:
  • Paul R. Hensel

    (Department of Political Science Florida State University, Tallahassee)

  • Sara McLaughlin Mitchell

    (Department of Political Science University of Iowa, Iowa City)

  • Thomas E. Sowers II

    (Department of Political Science Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas)

  • Clayton L. Thyne

    (Department of Political Science University of Kentucky, Lexington)

Abstract

Contentious issues are important sources of militarized conflict. This article advances an issue-based approach to world politics, focusing on disagreements over territory, maritime zones, and cross-border rivers. We characterize militarized conflict and peaceful techniques as substitutable foreign policy tools that states can adopt to resolve disagreements over issues, and we present hypotheses to account for issue management based on issue salience and recent interaction over the same issue. Empirical analyses reveal that states are more likely to use both militarized conflict and peaceful methods when the issue at stake is more salient, both when the general issue type is considered more salient and when the specific issue under contention has greater within-issue salience. Recent issue management also plays an important role, as histories of both militarized conflict and failed peaceful settlements increase pressure to take further action to settle the issue.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul R. Hensel & Sara McLaughlin Mitchell & Thomas E. Sowers II & Clayton L. Thyne, 2008. "Bones of Contention," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 52(1), pages 117-143, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jocore:v:52:y:2008:i:1:p:117-143
    DOI: 10.1177/0022002707310425
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pelle Andersen & Justin Bumgardner & J. Michael Greig & Paul F. Diehl, 2001. "Turning down the heat: Influences on conflict management in enduring rivalries," International Interactions, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 27(3), pages 239-274, April.
    2. Potter, William C., 1980. "Issue area and foreign policy analysis," International Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 34(3), pages 405-427, July.
    3. Zacher, Mark W., 2001. "The Territorial Integrity Norm: International Boundaries and the Use of Force," International Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 55(2), pages 215-250, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Florian Justwan & Sarah K. Fisher, 2017. "Generalized Social Trust and International Dispute Settlement," International Interactions, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 43(5), pages 717-743, September.

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