Foreign Intervention

Definition

Foreign intervention refers to the involvement of external powers in the internal affairs of a sovereign state, often through military, political, or economic means. This involvement can influence governance, conflict resolution, or the establishment of authority and can lead to significant shifts in a nation's political landscape.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Foreign intervention has often been a catalyst for military coups, with external powers supporting certain factions to establish authoritarian regimes.
2. In post-war Lebanon, foreign interventions have complicated governance and stability, as various regional powers have backed different political groups based on sectarian affiliations.
3. In Iraq after the 2003 invasion, foreign intervention led to significant sectarian conflict, impacting reconstruction efforts and the establishment of effective governance.
4. The Arab Spring saw varying degrees of foreign intervention, where external actors influenced movements for change in different countries, shaping the outcomes of protests.
5. Responses to protest movements in the Middle East often included foreign interventions that either supported authoritarian regimes or aimed to promote democratic transitions.

Review Questions

• How has foreign intervention influenced military coups in the Middle East?
  • Foreign intervention has played a significant role in facilitating military coups by providing support to specific factions seeking power. For instance, external actors may supply financial resources, arms, or even direct military assistance to groups that align with their interests. This kind of support can tip the balance in favor of coup plotters and lead to the establishment of authoritarian regimes that reflect foreign powers' strategic goals.
• Discuss the challenges posed by foreign intervention on stability and governance in post-war Lebanon.
  • Foreign intervention in post-war Lebanon has created significant challenges for stability and governance. Various regional powers have intervened by supporting different political factions, exacerbating sectarian divisions and complicating the political landscape. This external involvement undermines Lebanon's sovereignty and hampers efforts towards national reconciliation and effective governance, leading to a cycle of instability that hinders long-term peace.
• Evaluate the impact of foreign intervention on Iraq's post-war reconstruction and sectarian conflict dynamics.
  • Foreign intervention significantly impacted Iraq's post-war reconstruction by both facilitating and hindering progress. The 2003 invasion led to initial reconstruction efforts but also ignited intense sectarian conflicts fueled by competing interests among various external actors. The presence of foreign troops and influence disrupted social cohesion and governance structures, resulting in ongoing violence and instability that complicated Iraq’s path toward rebuilding a unified state.

Related terms

Proxy War: A conflict where two opposing countries or parties support combatants that serve their interests instead of waging war directly against each other.

Sovereignty: The authority of a state to govern itself and make its own decisions without interference from external powers.

Interventionism: The policy or practice of intervening in the affairs of other countries, particularly through military means, to influence their political or social systems.