CASCON PROJECT

For 52 local conflicts since 1945, over 500 ''factors'' are coded for each conflict. ''Factors'' are conditions or situations which might influence the course of a local conflict toward or away from increased violence. Each factor was recorded as either having no information available, not present, present but no influence, much influence toward violence, some influence toward violence, little influence toward violence, much influence away from violence, some influence away from violence, or little influence away from violence. Factors are grouped into several categories: previous relations between sides, great power involvement, external relations, military strategic, international organizations, ethnic-minorities, economic, internal political, characteristic of one side, communication, actions or controls in disputed area.