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27 J. Conflict Resol. 3 (1983)

handle is hein.journals/jcfltr27 and id is 1 raw text is: The Buffer System in International Relations MICHAEL GREENFIELD PARTEM Law School Hebrew University of Jerusalem Although the term buffer state is widely employed, it has received little scholarly treatment. This article investigates the buffer state and buffer system, using both expected utility theory and four case studies: Afghanistan (1870-1978), Cambodia (1954-1971), Lebanon (1943-1981), and Belgium (1831-1945). A definition is put forward stating what conditions of geography, capability distribution, and foreign policy orientations must be present for the system to be a buffer system. This definition has clear behavioral consequences for the larger powers in the system and the buffer state. One derivation from the definition is that multilateral declarations of neutrality and partition are phenomena related to each other and to the existence of buffer conditions. Another derivation is that the buffer state's diplomatic options are severely constrained -with neutrality the most likely policy. Clearly, the proposed definition gives us a better understanding of conflict and conflict resolution in a buffer system. This article explores the role of buffer state and buffer system in a more rigorous manner than has previously been attempted. Concepts will be defined and theory will be developed along with an examination of four case studies: Afghanistan (1870-1978), Cambodia (1954-1971)- now Campuchea, Lebanon (1943-1981), and Belgium (1831-1945). The principal methodological tool used in the study of buffer system conflict and conflict resolution will be expected utility theory, specifically as employed by Bueno de Mesquita (1981). It will be shown that empirically verifiable conditions determine the existence of a buffer system. Moreover, the logic of a buffer system brings with it certain behavioral patterns and constraints that can best be understood in a buffer context and that are exhibited to a greater or lesser degree in each of the four case studies. While buffer state has been the commonly used term, it is more useful to speak of a buffer system. A buffer state exists as a buffer state because of the larger powers in the system. Using the concepts employed JOURNAL OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION, Vol. 27 No, 1, March 1983 3-26 @ 1983 Sage Publications. Inc. 0022-0027 831010003-24S2 65 3 from the SAGE Social Science Collections. All Rights Reserved.

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