Structure and Hostility in International Systems

This article presents a comprehensive theoretical classification of the patterns of hostile behaviour of an international system based upon a mathematical model of conflict processes. The model provides for multifaceted behaviour, including combinations of progress to war, protracted conflict and conflict resolution. It is postulated that the hostile behaviour among nation-states is determined by a system of social forces that captures effects of grievance, friendship, fear, aggression, deterrence and a pull to war. The possible relationship between social force configurations and conventional structure variables, such as alliances, polarity and power distribution, is also discussed.