Partition and Peace in Civil Wars: Dividing Lands and Peoples to End Ethnic Conflict

This book examines the effectiveness of partition as a means to resolve ethnic and sectarian civil wars. It argues that partition can increase the likelihood of preventing civil war recurrence, particularly when it separates civilians and militaries. The book provides case studies of Georgia-Abkhazia and Moldova-Transnistria and compares ethnosectarian civil wars between 1945 and 2004. It concludes that partitioning a country can help transform an identity-based civil war into a lasting peace, but it is challenging to implement and may not be applicable to all contemporary conflicts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 142 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the examination of whether partition serves as a viable solution to resolve ethnic and sectarian civil wars. It posits that partition is unlikely to bring an end to ongoing ethnosectarian conflicts, but it can enhance the chances of preventing the recurrence of civil wars, provided that the partition separates civilians from the military. In-depth case studies of Georgia-Abkhazia and Moldova-Transnistria are presented, along with cross-national comparisons of all ethnosectarian civil wars between 1945 and 2004. This analysis showcases the instances when partitioning a country can facilitate the transformation of an identity-based civil war into a lasting peace. The book also highlights the practical and moral challenges associated with separating ethnosectarian groups, emphasizing that complete partitions cannot be easily implemented by the international community. Furthermore, it demonstrates that ethnosectarian civil wars are less driven by inter-group antagonisms and more by state breakdown, thereby suggesting that displaced minorities can reintegrate peacefully after partition, as long as a minimal level of state-building has been achieved. The book concludes by exploring whether partition would be useful in addressing five contemporary conflicts: Iraq, Ukraine-Donbass, Afghanistan, Sudan-South Sudan, and Serbia-Kosovo.

This book will be of immense interest to students studying civil wars, ethnic conflict, peace and conflict studies, and international relations.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367673802