Cherkas B. Darfur Conflict as a Factor in Inter-State Relations in North-East Africa.

Dissertation concentrates on the research of Darfur conflict evolution and its impact on the inter-state relations in North-East Africa. Author systematized the existing source base of Darfur conflict studies. The study analyzes the features of the conflict development in Darfur, as well as its causes and participants. The peculiarities of the North-East Africa, including active ethno-political conflicts, territorial inter-ethnic contradictions and political instability in countries, and existing interdependence between the conflicts at the African continent are determined. The changes in relations between Sudan and other states in the region, such as Chad, Central African Republic, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, Eritrea, Uganda, Kenya and South Sudan, as well as their positions on Darfur conflict are also studied. External factors that led to the escalation of violence in Darfur, including the presence of inter-state and ethnic cross-border conflicts and foreign assistance to the rebel groups, are investigated. The role of universal and regional international organizations in resolving the conflict in Darfur is analyzed. The influence of the decision of the International Criminal Court to arrest the President of Sudan Omar al-Bashir on the process of Darfur conflict settlement is presented, as well as the reaction of international community on this decision. The efficiency of peacekeeping forces, in particular, joint United Nations and African Union - UNAMID, in the localization of the conflict and the interests of powerful actors in Darfur are studied, especially the United States of America, China and France, as well as differences in their positions on the events in the Western Sudan.