Download or read book The Functions of Conflict and the International Communist System written by Stephen R. Newlin and published by . This book was released on 1969 with total page 486 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Functions of Conflict and the International Communist System contends that conflict and systems theory can be merged and that conflict-systems theory will provide a useful analytical tool by which the dynamics of international systems can be better understood. This work further contends that political systems are created, maintained, and modified through internal and external conflict relationships. Specifically, conflict between systems establishes systemic boundaries, increases internal cohesion, and is an important determinant of systemic structure; while systemic structure largely determines response to internal conflict, and in particular, to heresy and renegadism. It is further argued that international systems may be organized in three ways: vertically, with unity based on a shared value structure; horizontally, with unity based on geopolitical considerations; and eclectically, with unity based on values and geopolitical considerations.