The incidence of local conflict in the developing world continues at the rate of about one or two new outbreaks of significant hostilities each year, and a conservative estimate suggests that there are over 70 current disputes which are potential candidates for the outbreak of hostilities in the next ten years. This possibility alone makes the study and understanding of the control of local conflict - i.e., the analysis of what has influenced it in the past and the consideration of ways to reduce its intensity in the future - a matter of high interest to many nations. The Case Study results are summarized, these are intended to provide structured historical data on some of the major factors at work in past conflicts, and to stimulate thinking about methods of controlling or moderating such conflicts in the future. The study provides an analysis of 13 cases of local conflict within the model format developed by M.I.T. In addition to case-specific findings, general conclusions regarding arms and conflict control have been drawn from the thirteen cases considered together. As a final task under the contract, generalized factor coding forms were filled out for each of the 13 cases to be used by M.I.T. in the development of a computer-aided system under contract 'Computerization of Local Conflict Control Model.' (Author).

The volume presents a portion of the results of a thirteen-month study project performed under contract with the United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency in order to advance the Agency's research program directed toward the development of arms control and disarmament measures applicable to conflict and pre-conflict situations in the less developed areas of the world. The present study provides an analysis of cases of local conflict in the Middle East and North African states. (Author).