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Secondary 4 Social Studies Conflict International Relations Quiz

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Questions

Secondary 4 Social Studies Quiz - Conflict International Relations

Name: _______________________________ Class: _______________________________ Date: _______________________________ Score: _______ / 40

Duration: 45 minutes Total Marks: 40

Instructions

Answer ALL questions.
Read each question carefully before writing your answer.
For source-based questions, refer to the sources provided and use evidence from the sources to support your answers.
Write your answers in the spaces provided.
The number of marks for each question is shown in brackets [ ].

Section A: Source-Based Questions [20 marks]

Study Sources A to D and answer Questions 1 to 5.

Source A: Extract from a speech by the United Nations Secretary-General, 2023

"The ongoing conflict in Region X has displaced over 2 million people since tensions escalated in early 2022. Both sides have accused each other of violating ceasefire agreements. The international community must act decisively to prevent further humanitarian catastrophe. Diplomatic channels remain open, but progress has been painfully slow. We urge all parties to return to the negotiating table and prioritise the welfare of civilians caught in the crossfire."

Source B: A statement by the government of Country Alpha, one of the parties in the conflict

"We have always been committed to peace. However, Country Beta's continued aggression along our shared border leaves us with no choice but to defend our sovereignty. The international community fails to acknowledge that Beta was the first to deploy troops into the disputed zone. Our military actions are purely defensive in nature. We call on the world to recognise Beta's provocations and hold them accountable."

Source C: A report from an international humanitarian organisation, 2023

Indicator	Figure
Civilians displaced	2.1 million
Civilian casualties (reported)	4,800+
Schools damaged or destroyed	312
Hospitals non-functional	47% of total in conflict zone
Aid deliveries blocked	63 out of 180 attempted convoys
Estimated economic cost of conflict	US$14.2 billion

Source D: A social media post by a citizen journalist from the conflict zone

"Day 47 of the shelling. Our neighbourhood was hit again last night. Three families lost their homes. The so-called ceasefire means nothing here — we hear gunfire every night. Aid trucks are stuck at checkpoints while children go hungry. Both governments claim they want peace, but neither side is willing to stop fighting. The world talks, but nobody helps. We are forgotten."

1. Study Sources A and B. How far does Source A agree with Source B about the conflict in Region X? Explain your answer. [6]

2. Study Source C. What does this source suggest about the impact of the conflict on civilians? Explain your answer using evidence from the source. [5]

3. Study Sources A and D. How similar are these two sources in their view of the international response to the conflict? Explain your answer. [5]

4. Study Source B. Why do you think the government of Country Alpha made this statement? Explain your answer. [4]

5. Study all four sources. 'The conflict in Region X could have been avoided.' How far do the sources support this statement? Explain your answer. [6]

Section B: Short Answer Questions [12 marks]

Answer Questions 6 to 10.

6. Define the term sovereignty and explain why it is often a cause of international conflict. [3]

7. Explain two reasons why international organisations such as the United Nations face challenges in resolving conflicts between nations. [4]

8. What is meant by a ceasefire agreement? Give one reason why ceasefire agreements often break down. [2]

9. Explain one way in which economic interests can contribute to the outbreak of international conflict. [2]

10. Identify one consequence of prolonged armed conflict on civilian populations. [1]

Section C: Structured Response Questions [8 marks]

Answer Questions 11 to 15.

11. Study the following scenario:

In 2024, two neighbouring countries, Country P and Country Q, are in dispute over an island rich in natural resources located in waters claimed by both nations. Tensions have risen after Country P began construction of a military base on the island. Country Q has responded by conducting naval exercises nearby. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has offered to mediate.

(a) Explain why the dispute over the island could escalate into a wider conflict. [3]

(b) Evaluate whether ASEAN is likely to be effective in resolving this dispute. Explain your answer. [3]

12. 'Diplomacy is always more effective than military force in resolving international conflicts.' How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [2]

13. Explain two ways in which globalisation has changed the nature of international conflict in the 21st century. [4]

14. Explain two reasons why some international conflicts last for many years without resolution. [4]

15. 'The use of economic sanctions is the best way to resolve international conflicts.' How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [4]

Section D: Application and Evaluation Questions [0 marks — included for completeness]

Answer Questions 16 to 20.

16. Study the following scenario:

Country M and Country N share a river that is vital for agriculture and drinking water for both nations. Country M recently built a large dam upstream, significantly reducing the water flow to Country N. Country N has threatened military action if the dam is not modified. The United Nations has called for both countries to engage in bilateral negotiations.

(a) Explain why water resources can be a source of international conflict. [3]

(b) Do you think bilateral negotiations alone are sufficient to resolve this dispute? Explain your answer. [3]

17. Explain two ways in which the media can influence public opinion during an international conflict. [4]

18. Explain one advantage and one disadvantage of using military intervention to resolve international conflicts. [2]

19. Identify two roles that non-governmental organisations (NGOs) play in conflict zones. [2]

20. 'International conflicts are caused more by competition for resources than by differences in beliefs.' How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [4]

Answers

Secondary 4 Social Studies Quiz - Conflict International Relations

Answer Key

Section A: Source-Based Questions [20 marks]

1. Study Sources A and B. How far does Source A agree with Source B about the conflict in Region X? Explain your answer. [6]

Answer:

Sources A and B show partial agreement but also significant disagreement about the conflict.

Agreement:

Both sources acknowledge that a conflict is taking place in Region X and that it is serious. Source A describes displacement of 2 million people and humanitarian catastrophe; Source B acknowledges military actions are occurring.
Both sources reference the idea of peace — Source A urges parties to return to negotiations; Source B claims Country Alpha is "committed to peace."

Disagreement:

Source A presents a neutral stance, blaming both sides for violating ceasefire agreements and calling on "all parties" to negotiate. It does not assign blame to either country.
Source B assigns blame entirely to Country Beta, claiming Beta was the first to deploy troops and that Alpha's actions are "purely defensive." This directly contradicts Source A's balanced framing.
Source A emphasises the humanitarian crisis and civilian welfare, while Source B focuses on justifying military action and sovereignty defence.

Marking Scheme:

Level 1 (1–2 marks): Identifies agreement OR disagreement only; no source evidence cited.
Level 2 (3–4 marks): Identifies both agreement and disagreement with some evidence from sources.
Level 3 (5–6 marks): Identifies both agreement and disagreement with specific evidence from both sources; explains nuance (e.g., both want peace but differ on who is responsible).

Common Mistakes:

Stating sources completely agree or completely disagree without acknowledging partial overlap.
Failing to quote or paraphrase specific evidence from the sources.

2. Study Source C. What does this source suggest about the impact of the conflict on civilians? Explain your answer using evidence from the source. [5]

Answer:

Source C suggests that the conflict has had a severe and wide-ranging impact on civilians.

Mass displacement: 2.1 million civilians have been displaced, indicating large-scale forced migration and loss of homes.
Loss of life: Over 4,800 civilian casualties have been reported, showing direct harm to non-combatants.
Destruction of essential services: 312 schools have been damaged or destroyed, disrupting education for thousands of children. 47% of hospitals in the conflict zone are non-functional, meaning civilians cannot access medical care.
Humanitarian access blocked: 63 out of 180 aid convoys were blocked (approximately 35%), meaning relief supplies cannot reach those in need, worsening the humanitarian crisis.
Economic devastation: The estimated cost of US$14.2 billion shows the conflict has caused massive economic damage, which affects livelihoods and recovery.

Marking Scheme:

Level 1 (1–2 marks): Identifies one impact with limited or no evidence.
Level 2 (3–4 marks): Explains two or more impacts with evidence from the source.
Level 3 (5 marks): Explains three or more impacts with specific data from the source; shows understanding of the overall severity.

3. Study Sources A and D. How similar are these two sources in their view of the international response to the conflict? Explain your answer. [5]

Answer:

Sources A and D are broadly similar in their view that the international response has been inadequate, but they differ in tone and perspective.

Similarities:

Both sources suggest that international action has been insufficient. Source A states that "progress has been painfully slow" and calls on the international community to "act decisively." Source D says "The world talks, but nobody helps. We are forgotten."
Both imply a gap between what is being said (diplomatic efforts) and what is being done (actual help for civilians).

Differences:

Source A is the perspective of the UN Secretary-General — it is measured, diplomatic, and still expresses hope that diplomatic channels can work ("Diplomatic channels remain open").
Source D is the perspective of a citizen on the ground — it is emotional, frustrated, and despairing. The citizen journalist has lost faith in the ceasefire and international efforts ("The so-called ceasefire means nothing here").

Marking Scheme:

Level 1 (1–2 marks): Identifies similarity OR difference only.
Level 2 (3–4 marks): Identifies both similarity and difference with some evidence.
Level 3 (5 marks): Identifies both similarity and difference with specific evidence; explains the difference in perspective (institutional vs. civilian).

4. Study Source B. Why do you think the government of Country Alpha made this statement? Explain your answer. [4]

Answer:

The government of Country Alpha likely made this statement for the following reasons:

To justify its military actions to the international community and its own citizens. By claiming its actions are "purely defensive," Alpha seeks to gain legitimacy and avoid being seen as the aggressor.
To shift blame onto Country Beta. Alpha explicitly states that "Beta was the first to deploy troops" and calls on the world to "hold them accountable." This is an attempt to influence international opinion and gain diplomatic support.
To maintain domestic support. By framing the conflict as a defence of sovereignty, the government rallies its own population behind the war effort and discourages internal dissent.
To pre-empt international criticism. By speaking first and presenting its narrative, Alpha attempts to control the story before Beta or international organisations can shape the narrative against it.

Marking Scheme:

1 mark per valid reason, up to 2 reasons explained (2 marks each).
Answers must go beyond description of the source to explain purpose/intention.

5. Study all four sources. 'The conflict in Region X could have been avoided.' How far do the sources support this statement? Explain your answer. [6]

Answer:

The sources provide mixed support for this statement.

Sources that suggest the conflict COULD have been avoided:

Source A implies that if parties had honoured ceasefire agreements and engaged meaningfully in diplomacy, escalation could have been prevented. The UN's call to "return to the negotiating table" suggests a peaceful path existed.
Source D's frustration — "Both governments claim they want peace, but neither side is willing to stop fighting" — suggests that political will, not inevitability, is the barrier. If both sides were genuinely willing, the conflict need not have continued.

Sources that suggest the conflict was DIFFICULT to avoid:

Source B presents the conflict as a response to Beta's "continued aggression," implying Alpha was forced into military action to defend sovereignty. From Alpha's perspective, the conflict was not avoidable without compromising national security.
Source C's data on the scale of destruction (US$14.2 billion, 2.1 million displaced) suggests deep-rooted tensions that may not have been easily resolved through diplomacy alone.

Overall evaluation: The sources collectively suggest that while diplomatic solutions were theoretically possible (Sources A and D), the mutual blame, sovereignty concerns, and breakdown of trust (Source B) made avoidance extremely difficult. The conflict was not inevitable but required political compromise that neither side was willing to make.

Marking Scheme:

Level 1 (1–2 marks): Addresses only one side of the argument; limited source use.
Level 2 (3–4 marks): Addresses both sides with some evidence from at least two sources.
Level 3 (5–6 marks): Balanced evaluation using evidence from at least three sources; reaches a clear, well-supported conclusion.

Section B: Short Answer Questions [12 marks]

6. Define the term sovereignty and explain why it is often a cause of international conflict. [3]

Answer:

Definition: Sovereignty refers to the supreme authority of a state to govern itself and its territory without external interference. It includes the right to make laws, control borders, and determine domestic and foreign policy.

Why it causes conflict:

When two or more states claim sovereignty over the same territory (e.g., disputed islands, border regions), neither side is willing to compromise because doing so would mean giving up national identity, resources, or strategic advantage.
States may also view external mediation or intervention as a violation of their sovereignty, making diplomatic resolution more difficult.
Example: Source B shows Country Alpha justifying military action as defending its sovereignty against Country Beta's "aggression."

Marking Scheme:

1 mark for a clear definition of sovereignty.
2 marks for explaining why it causes conflict with reference to territorial disputes or resistance to external interference.

7. Explain two reasons why international organisations such as the United Nations face challenges in resolving conflicts between nations. [4]

Answer:

Veto power of permanent Security Council members: The five permanent members of the UN Security Council (USA, Russia, China, France, UK) each have the power to veto resolutions. If a permanent member is allied with one party in the conflict or has strategic interests at stake, it can block action, rendering the UN ineffective.
Lack of enforcement power: The UN has no standing army and relies on member states to contribute troops and resources for peacekeeping missions. It cannot compel nations to comply with its resolutions. Countries involved in a conflict may simply ignore UN calls for ceasefires or negotiations, as suggested in Source A ("progress has been painfully slow").

Marking Scheme:

2 marks per reason (1 mark for identifying the reason, 1 mark for explaining it clearly).

8. What is meant by a ceasefire agreement? Give one reason why ceasefire agreements often break down. [2]

Answer:

Definition: A ceasefire agreement is a formal agreement between warring parties to stop fighting for a specified period or indefinitely, usually as a step towards peace negotiations.

Reason for breakdown:

Lack of trust: Both sides may accuse the other of violating the ceasefire (as seen in Source A: "Both sides have accused each other of violating ceasefire agreements"). When neither party trusts the other to honour the agreement, even minor provocations can lead to a resumption of hostilities.

Marking Scheme:

1 mark for a correct definition.
1 mark for a valid reason with brief explanation.

9. Explain one way in which economic interests can contribute to the outbreak of international conflict. [2]

Answer:

States may go to war to gain control of valuable natural resources such as oil, minerals, or fertile land. When resources are located in disputed territories, the economic incentive to control them can escalate tensions into armed conflict. For example, two nations might fight over an island rich in oil deposits because the economic gains from controlling the resource outweigh the costs of conflict.

Marking Scheme:

1 mark for identifying the link between economic interests and conflict.
1 mark for explaining the mechanism with an example.

10. Identify one consequence of prolonged armed conflict on civilian populations. [1]

Answer:

Mass displacement / refugee crisis — prolonged conflict forces civilians to flee their homes, creating large numbers of internally displaced persons and refugees who face poverty, lack of shelter, and insecurity.

(Alternative acceptable answers: loss of life, destruction of infrastructure, disruption of education, psychological trauma, food insecurity.)

Marking Scheme:

1 mark for any valid consequence.

Section C: Structured Response Questions [8 marks]

11. Study the following scenario:

(a) Explain why the dispute over the island could escalate into a wider conflict. [3]

Answer:

Military build-up: Country P's construction of a military base and Country Q's naval exercises represent an escalation of military presence in the disputed area. This increases the risk of accidental clashes or miscalculations that could spark a wider conflict.
Competition over resources: The island is described as "rich in natural resources." Both countries have strong economic incentives to control the island, making compromise less likely. The potential economic gains may lead both sides to take increasingly aggressive actions.
National pride and sovereignty: Both nations claim the island as their territory. Backing down would be seen as a loss of sovereignty and national pride, making leaders reluctant to negotiate. This mirrors the dynamic in Source B where Country Alpha frames its actions as defending sovereignty.

Marking Scheme:

1 mark per valid reason explained, up to 3 marks.

(b) Evaluate whether ASEAN is likely to be effective in resolving this dispute. Explain your answer. [3]

Answer:

Arguments that ASEAN COULD be effective:

ASEAN has experience mediating regional disputes and promotes the principle of peaceful resolution through dialogue. Its regional legitimacy means both countries may be more willing to engage with ASEAN than with external powers.
ASEAN can provide a neutral platform for negotiations and facilitate confidence-building measures.

Arguments that ASEAN may NOT be effective:

ASEAN operates on the principle of consensus and non-interference in members' internal affairs. This means it cannot impose solutions or enforce compliance. If one party refuses to cooperate, ASEAN has limited leverage.
If either Country P or Country Q is not an ASEAN member, the organisation's influence would be further reduced.

Overall evaluation: ASEAN is likely to have limited effectiveness unless both parties are genuinely willing to negotiate. Its consensus-based approach and lack of enforcement mechanisms mean it can facilitate dialogue but cannot guarantee resolution.

Marking Scheme:

1 mark for an argument supporting ASEAN's effectiveness.
1 mark for an argument limiting ASEAN's effectiveness.
1 mark for an overall evaluative judgement.

12. 'Diplomacy is always more effective than military force in resolving international conflicts.' How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [2]

Answer:

Agree: Diplomacy is generally more effective because it addresses the root causes of conflict through negotiation and compromise, leading to more sustainable peace. Military force may end fighting temporarily but often leaves underlying grievances unresolved, leading to future conflict. Source A highlights the UN's diplomatic approach as the preferred path.

Disagree: However, diplomacy is not "always" more effective. In cases where one party is unwilling to negotiate in good faith (as suggested in Source D: "neither side is willing to stop fighting"), diplomacy may fail. Military force or the threat of it may be necessary to compel parties to the negotiating table or to stop humanitarian catastrophes.

Marking Scheme:

1 mark for explaining why diplomacy is effective.
1 mark for explaining a limitation of diplomacy or when military force may be necessary.

13. Explain two ways in which globalisation has changed the nature of international conflict in the 21st century. [4]

Answer:

Economic interdependence: Globalisation has made economies more interconnected through trade and supply chains. This means that conflicts between nations can have global economic repercussions, affecting countries not directly involved. At the same time, economic interdependence can act as a deterrent to conflict, as war would disrupt trade and harm both economies.
Cyber warfare and information warfare: Globalisation has expanded the battlefield beyond physical territory. States now engage in cyber attacks on critical infrastructure (power grids, financial systems) and use social media and information campaigns to influence public opinion and destabilise rival nations. This represents a new dimension of conflict that did not exist in previous centuries.

Marking Scheme:

2 marks per way (1 mark for identifying the way, 1 mark for explaining how it has changed conflict).

14. Explain two reasons why some international conflicts last for many years without resolution. [4]

Answer:

Deep-rooted historical grievances: Many conflicts are fuelled by long-standing historical injustices, ethnic tensions, or territorial disputes that cannot be easily resolved through short-term negotiations. Both sides may feel that compromising would betray their history or identity, making peace agreements difficult to reach.
External involvement and proxy wars: Other countries may support different sides in a conflict for their own strategic or economic interests, providing weapons, funding, or military support. This prolongs the conflict because the warring parties have external backing that sustains their capacity to fight, and the conflict becomes tied to the interests of multiple external actors.

Marking Scheme:

2 marks per reason (1 mark for identifying the reason, 1 mark for explaining it clearly).

15. 'The use of economic sanctions is the best way to resolve international conflicts.' How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [4]

Answer:

Agree:

Economic sanctions are a non-violent tool that can pressure a country to change its behaviour without the loss of life associated with military action. They target the economy of the offending state, reducing its capacity to wage war and incentivising negotiation.
Sanctions can be targeted at specific leaders or sectors, minimising harm to ordinary civilians while maximising pressure on decision-makers.

Disagree:

Sanctions often harm ordinary civilians more than leaders, leading to shortages of food, medicine, and essential goods. Source C shows how aid deliveries are blocked in conflict zones — sanctions can have a similar effect, worsening humanitarian conditions.
Sanctions may strengthen the resolve of the targeted government, which can use them to rally domestic support by framing the country as a victim of foreign aggression.
Sanctions take time to work and may not be effective against countries with strong alternative trading partners or self-sufficient economies.

Overall evaluation: Economic sanctions can be a useful tool but are not universally the "best" way to resolve conflicts. Their effectiveness depends on the specific context, and they should ideally be combined with diplomatic efforts.

Marking Scheme:

1–2 marks for arguments supporting sanctions.
1–2 marks for arguments against sanctions.
Award marks for balanced evaluation and use of examples.

Section D: Application and Evaluation Questions

16. Study the following scenario:

(a) Explain why water resources can be a source of international conflict. [3]

Answer:

Water is a scarce and essential resource: Water is necessary for drinking, agriculture, and industry. When a shared water source is reduced (e.g., by dam construction), the downstream country faces water scarcity, threatening livelihoods and survival.
Unilateral actions create tension: When one country takes unilateral action (like building a dam) that affects another country's water supply, it is seen as a violation of shared resource rights and can provoke retaliation.
Competition intensifies during droughts: Climate change and population growth increase water scarcity, making competition over shared rivers more intense and increasing the likelihood of conflict.

Marking Scheme:

1 mark per valid reason explained, up to 3 marks.

(b) Do you think bilateral negotiations alone are sufficient to resolve this dispute? Explain your answer. [3]

Answer:

Arguments that bilateral negotiations COULD be sufficient:

Direct talks between the two countries allow them to understand each other's needs and find mutually acceptable solutions, such as agreed water-sharing arrangements or joint management of the river.
Bilateral negotiations avoid the complications of involving third parties and allow both countries to maintain sovereignty over the process.

Arguments that bilateral negotiations may NOT be sufficient:

If there is a significant power imbalance between the two countries, the stronger country may dominate the negotiations, leading to an unfair outcome.
If both sides are entrenched in their positions and unwilling to compromise (as seen in the scenario where Country N has already threatened military action), a neutral third party such as the UN or an international court may be needed to mediate and propose solutions.
Technical expertise from international bodies may be needed to assess water usage and propose fair allocation.

Overall evaluation: Bilateral negotiations are a good starting point but may need to be supplemented by third-party mediation if the two countries cannot reach an agreement on their own.

Marking Scheme:

1 mark for an argument supporting bilateral negotiations.
1 mark for an argument supporting third-party involvement.
1 mark for an overall evaluative judgement.

17. Explain two ways in which the media can influence public opinion during an international conflict. [4]

Answer:

Framing and agenda-setting: The media decides which stories to cover and how to present them. By emphasising certain aspects of a conflict (e.g., civilian casualties vs. military strategy), the media can shape how the public perceives the conflict and who they sympathise with. For example, Source D (a social media post) frames the conflict from the perspective of suffering civilians, which could generate public pressure for intervention.
Spreading information and misinformation: Through social media and 24-hour news cycles, information (and misinformation) about conflicts spreads rapidly. This can mobilise public support for or against military action, influence government policy, and even affect the morale of conflicting parties. However, misinformation can also deepen divisions and make resolution more difficult.

Marking Scheme:

2 marks per way (1 mark for identifying the way, 1 mark for explaining it clearly).

18. Explain one advantage and one disadvantage of using military intervention to resolve international conflicts. [2]

Answer:

Advantage: Military intervention can quickly stop violence and protect civilians in situations where diplomacy has failed and there is an urgent humanitarian crisis. It can remove aggressive regimes or stop atrocities that would otherwise continue unchecked.

Disadvantage: Military intervention often causes collateral damage, including civilian casualties and destruction of infrastructure, which can worsen the humanitarian situation. It can also lead to prolonged occupation, resentment among the local population, and instability, potentially creating new conflicts.

Marking Scheme:

1 mark for a valid advantage.
1 mark for a valid disadvantage.

19. Identify two roles that non-governmental organisations (NGOs) play in conflict zones. [2]

Answer:

Providing humanitarian aid: NGOs deliver essential supplies such as food, water, medicine, and shelter to civilians affected by conflict. Source C, from an international humanitarian organisation, documents the scale of need in conflict zones.
Documenting human rights abuses: NGOs monitor and report on violations of international humanitarian law, providing evidence that can be used to hold perpetrators accountable and raise international awareness.

Marking Scheme:

1 mark per valid role identified.

20. 'International conflicts are caused more by competition for resources than by differences in beliefs.' How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. [4]

Answer:

Agree — competition for resources is a major cause:

Many conflicts are driven by competition over valuable resources such as oil, minerals, water, and fertile land. The scenario in Question 11 involves two countries disputing an island rich in natural resources. When resources are scarce or unevenly distributed, states may resort to force to secure them.
Economic interests often underlie conflicts that appear to be about other issues. Control of resources provides the financial means to sustain military operations and increase national power.

Disagree — differences in beliefs are also significant:

Conflicts driven by ideological, religious, or ethnic differences can be extremely difficult to resolve because beliefs are deeply held and not easily compromised. Examples include sectarian conflicts and wars driven by competing political ideologies.
Beliefs can be used to mobilise populations for war, even when the underlying cause may be resource competition. Leaders may frame conflicts in terms of beliefs to gain public support.

Overall evaluation: Both resource competition and differences in beliefs play significant roles in causing international conflicts. In many cases, the two factors are intertwined — resource competition may be framed in terms of beliefs, and belief-based conflicts may be sustained by control of resources. It is difficult to say that one is universally more important than the other.

Marking Scheme:

1–2 marks for arguments supporting resource competition as the main cause.
1–2 marks for arguments supporting differences in beliefs as the main cause.
Award marks for balanced evaluation and use of examples.