Global geopolitical flashpoints

The 1990's brought a fundamental global political change in which increasing volatility has been met with increasing acceptance of intervention in the internal affairs of states by bodies such as the UN and NATO for example in Iraq, Kosovo, and East Timor. This atlas discusses current and potential flashpoints, defined as areas of geopolitical instability that are likely to exert an influence well beyond their point of origin. Instability may result from any combination of military, political, economic, social, or environmental factors. Each entry summarizes the situation, defines the issues involved, discusses the current status, and provides a bibliography and a b & w map.