Introduction

Although international affairs seem mostly clouded by politics and power plays, many of the world’s disastrous conflicts emerge from business issues. Unfortunately, those issues are masked by either poor media coverage or direct government obstruction. The 2006 movie, Blood Diamond, exhibits a prime example of business factors affecting foreign affairs. Essentially, profits sold from diamonds mined in Sierra Leone were used to buy weapons that sponsored terrorist and rebel groups that often harmed innocent civilians. Although for a period of time the world became more aware and “conflict diamond” free, many problems still exist under the wrongful exploitation of businesses.


As someone who enjoys keeping up with international conflicts and their causes, I write this blog to inform others about the many ways business issues underline political problems. The causes of conflicts are essential because they determine the best paths for solutions. Issues such as Sierra Leone’s mineral exploitation can be resolved as long as awareness of the business behind the conflict increases. In many cases, the consumers themselves have the power to boycott products and other businesses can decrease interactions with the companies responsible. The point of this blog is to inform people about the business behind international affairs and persuade people to partake in the right action.