He tests these cases against a cluster of 12 characteristics that he argues are collectively definitive of art and finds that the difficulties stem from conflicts or tensions among these characteristics.
Many suits–and some of the biggest verdicts–stem from conflicts of interest, which are becoming more difficult to avoid as law firms combine into international behemoths.
The level playing field, such as it exists, has potholes, mainly stemming from conflicts of interest.
Thousands of Russian troops and hundreds of military checkpoints have so far failed to stem that conflict.
In their internal briefings, the Marines acknowledge widespread lawlessness stemming from conflicts among corrupt officials, tribal leaders and drug gangs.
And Blodget was back to a parenthetical disclaimer: "In 2003, regulators alleged that my bullishness stemmed from conflicts of interest and threw me out of the industry".
In truth, though, there is no easy way to stem the conflict in Syria, which increasingly threatens to destabilize the region.
(My fortunes were similar: in 2000, I was among the most-read Wall Street analysts; in 2003, regulators alleged that my bullishness stemmed from conflicts of interest and threw me out of the industry).
The costs that a new alliance can create on the alliance portfolio level mainly stem from conflict resolution in existing alliances.
