Now , however , with legitimacy being extended to non-state actors , as well as the opportunity for a minority to secede from a given state and form a new country there has been a dramatic shift in the international status quo . Moreover , the international community 's model for conflict resolution is heavily influenced by academic thought developed in western countries . This model encourages intervening in civil wars in order to stop political violence and come to a negotiated settlement which often involves democratising efforts . Critics such as Christopher Clapham and David Shearer , argue that this intervention can provide mechanisms for continued conflict to the detriment of the civilian population . Clapham 's argument is principally in relation to the situation in Rwanda leading up to the genocide , whereas Shearer focuses on the negative aspects of intervention , primarily regarding Sierra Leone , which prevents total victory by one side and results in the creation of asymmetries between belligerents which opens the door for continued bloodshed
genocide
Rwandan genocide
Peacekeeping