Many research projects seek to discover the (regulatory) causes of certain kinds of behaviors, such as acts of violence. Of course, in social research there is a critical difference and correlation between two variables and causation. David Hume (26 April 1711–25 August 1776),� a philosopher of the Scottish Enlightenment and one of the greatest minds of Western Philosophy, believed that “A caused B,” or “B happened because of A,” or that “Whenever A occurs, then B does.” His philosophy, belonging to empiricism, was of the positivist view. This necessary connection or necessary relation is what is called David Hume’s concept of causation.

On the other hand, John Burton, a prominent scholar specializing in international relations and conflict resolution, established a direct link between interstate and inter-group conflicts and the issue of basic human needs. His studies on identity, recognition and survival, in the light of conflict resolution, have become the hallmarks of sociopsychological approaches in dealing with violence.

Burton believed that conflicts are hugely correlated to human needs, making them more complex to resolve. Conflicts arise from unmet needs or inadequately fulfilled basic human needs of the members of the group.

Applying the Humean causation model of “A caused B,” the Burton notion of the causes of violent behavior goes like this: unmet basic human needs such as inability to assert identity and individuality, poor recognition of individual worth, and poor means of survival are the A that causes B or violent behavior and conflict.

In places where means of survival are hampered by poverty and where the environment of an individual is fertile ground for the non-recognition of human rights (Hume’s ‘A’), people get unruly and conflicts exist (Burton’s ‘B’).� This condition is prevalent in Third World countries where poverty is the norm and human rights are generally violated. In these troubled countries, strife, war, and conflicts are always present and cannot seem to be solved and ended.

A good example of the topic on hand is the infamous human rights violations occurring in Myanmar (Burma). The existing military junta in the country is a known violator of human rights. The country is also reeling in poverty and misery, especially after the cyclone that killed thousands of people. Because of these conditions and situation, Myanmar has never quite solved or ended the civil war that is happening there from time to time. The country is vulnerable to civil uprising that occurs intermittently.

The people of Mindanao in the Philippines have also been suffering poverty and injustice for the past four decades. These have caused the ever-present revolt by Muslim guerrillas known as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Sao Paulo in Brazil is a place known for police brutality. Hence, there is always conflict in the streets and riots. The prisoners have even formed their own militant brotherhood that has turned into a dreaded crime syndicate (involved in murders and the cocaine trade) known as the First Capital Command.

Violent struggles and their causes all happen under one unifying sky.

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Via msnbc