ABSTRACT
The conflict in Chad runs in three concentric circles: domestic political conflict over the distribution of scarce resources among the various regional and ethnic groups of the country; active role by neighboring African states; and sporadic interference by non-African powers, not only France but also the United States and the Soviet Union, at least as arms sources. The result of the inner conflict has been the collapse of the Chadian state, challenging internal and external participants with the difficult task of reconstituting political authority. As long as any party had a chance to opt out of an emerging reconciliation and to fight on to win, no conflict management was possible. However, by the end of 1984, the conflict appeared to have wound down to its original dimensions, and the makings of a stable outcome seemed to be emerging through the combined and appropriately timed efforts of external powers, African states, and Chadian leaders.
