There are a multitude of factors that influence conflict on the international level. They can be identity based between two groups that compare each other or feel deprivation. They can be based in political, economic, and social failure to provide for citizens, incompatible interests, or competition for resources. The one most widespread theory that is applicable to almost all conflicts is the basic human needs theory. I believe conflicts on the international scale can be defined best with the social identity theory. People have an incredible drive to provide for themselves and the groups of people that they relate to, and I believe that desire to feel their importance as a nation is what drives nations to war, and enables them to persecute other groups. If you are identifying with and trying to provide for your own group then the other group is vilified, not seen as human, so therefore it does not matter that you are hurting the members of the other group; they do not matter. In fact, they may even hurt your own group. The perfect example is the conflict between Israel and Palestine. This transnational conflict influences people all across the globe, but it is based in the needs of the israeli and palestinian people who want recognition and respect as individuals, and as groups.
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