"What you did today would have caused an international incident."
It wouldn't do to cause an incident in the first ten minutes of the event.
Which one is more likely to cause an international incident if stolen from a country?
It seemed easier to accept our take on the situation than cause an incident.
Then again, if we haven't caused a diplomatic incident yet, probably this is the time.
This will cause an international incident of the worst kind if you do not stop immediately!
"That may cause a diplomatic incident, but I don't care."
It was only necessary to cause an incident and have the flight cancelled.
His kidnapping of an influential Council member's daughter had nearly caused an international incident.
Or, say, even if you just wanted to give it back without causing an intergalactic incident.