An international incident usually arises during a time of relative peace between states, and in general is, on the surface, an unexpected event.
Conflicts that grow out of a series of escalating skirmishes between states generally are not considered international incidents; however, terrorist actions can and often do become international incidents.
However, historical views of past international incidents often reveal the incident was the flashpoint of a simmering conflict between states, or organizations opposing states.
In the aftermath of the First World War, the League of Nations was established to help nations who were parties to an international incident achieve a solution to the incident through diplomatic means.
The term is also applied to various incidents that can disrupt international commerce, and to celebrities or other well-known people who commit gaffes or otherwise act inappropriately, causing the press and sometimes governments to criticize their actions.