Arguments Against Coc Theory Essay

Arguments against the “clash of civilizations” (CoC) theory have been made by authors such as Chiozza, Henderson and Tucker. According to these authors, civilizational factors alone are insufficient in producing greater risk of conflict. Other factors such as regime-type, geographical proximity, modernization, military capabilities, Cold war blocs, and major power status affect the prospects for conflict involvement between states as well. I will focus on regime-type, geographical proximity and military capabilities. The authors have their arguments against CoC theory supported by research findings. I find the arguments against CoC theory largely convincing.

I find the geographic proximity argument against CoC theory convincing to a large extent. According to the authors, conflict is more likely to occur between states of close geographical proximity, or share border contiguity than between states of different civilizations over cultural issues (Chiozza, 2002, p. 715). The closeness allows for interaction and offers the opportunity for conflict. Conflicts resulting from territorial disagreements will result regardless of each party’s civilization. Neighboring states usually belong to the same civilization. Neighbors may be culturally similar but they will still fight over territories of high value. In Chiozza’s research findings, the coefficient associated with the interaction term between the intercivilization dummy and border contiguity is positive and statistically …show more content…
(2002). Is There a Clash of Civilizations? Evidence from Patterns of International Conflict Involvement, 1946 to 1997. pp. 715, 726.

Henderson, E. and Tucker, R. (2001). Clear and Present Strangers: The Clash of Civilizations and International Conflict. pp. 332.

Hopf, T. (2015). Lecture on The Democratic Peace.

Rosato, S. (2003). The Flawed Logic of Democratic Peace Theory. pp. 590 – 591.

Wohlforth, W. (1999). The Stability of a Unipolar World. pp.