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distraction theory of war  

Definition

  • Commonly referred to as the diversionary theory of war or the “scapegoat” hypothesis, this theory posits a close causal relationship between political elites' domestic political situation and their interest in fostering an external conflict. States that are domestically unstable are more likely to start wars than domestically stable polities. [Source: The Encyclopedia of Political Science; War, Distraction Theory of]

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https://concepts.sagepub.com/social-science/concept/distraction_theory_of_war

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