Abstract
International relations theory offers many explanations for the causes of war. Despite competitive and complementary insights, a discussion of theories on the causes of war and, by implication, the prevention of war, reveals at least one important conclusion. Preventing war requires policies that focus on strategic, economic and social factors, both domestic and international. However, there are potential dilemmas in implementing such policies, even for a small state like New Zealand. Resolving these dilemmas is naturally problematic, but as a participant in the international system, New Zealand is obliged to do so.
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