What Do We Know about Civil Wars?

Civil wars have replaced interstate wars as the most frequent and deadly form of armed conflict globally, and this book provides an accessible and current overview of the state of the field and an agenda for future research. It also includes an entirely new chapter on pro-government militias and rebels as criminal groups, analysis of new trends in civil war data collection, and new directions in transitional justice institutions, the "resource curse," the role of women, and the relationship between the environment and civil conflict. Examples drawn from the Russia-Ukraine conflict are included.

Format: Hardback
Length: 422 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2023
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Since the end of World War II, civil wars have emerged as the predominant and deadliest form of armed conflict worldwide. Understanding the factors that contribute to the onset, duration, outcomes, and recurrence of these conflicts is crucial for addressing their devastating consequences. In this timely book, esteemed scholars provide students with a comprehensive guide to cutting-edge research on civil wars. They explore various aspects, including their triggers, duration, outcomes, and potential recurrence. The authors also identify areas of knowledge gaps in the field, highlighting the need for further research to enhance our understanding of civil conflicts.

The book adopts a consistent approach across chapters, utilizing a wide range of cases to illustrate the key concepts and theories. This approach helps readers grasp the most pressing questions in conflict and security studies and demonstrates how scholars address them. The text offers both an accessible and up-to-date overview of the state of the field, providing valuable insights for students and scholars alike.

One of the notable features of this book is its comprehensive coverage of pro-government militias and rebels as criminal groups. Chapter 16 delves into the complex dynamics and challenges associated with these groups, shedding light on their role in civil conflicts and the legal and ethical considerations surrounding their actions. This chapter is particularly relevant in today's global landscape, where the involvement of non-state actors in conflicts has become increasingly prevalent.

The analysis of new trends in civil war data collection is another valuable contribution. The authors discuss innovative methods and tools that have enabled researchers to understand geographic and temporal patterns of armed conflict. This information is crucial for developing effective strategies for conflict prevention and resolution.

Furthermore, the book explores new directions in transitional justice institutions in post-conflict environments. It examines the role of these institutions in promoting peace, justice, and reconciliation, as well as the challenges they face in achieving these goals. The "resource curse" theory, the role of women in conflict resolution, and the relationship between the environment and civil conflict are also explored in depth.

The book also includes new material on mediation of conflict and peace agreement implementation. It discusses the processes and strategies employed by mediators to facilitate peace negotiations and ensure the successful implementation of peace agreements. The examples drawn from the Russia-Ukraine conflict provide practical insights into the challenges and opportunities of mediation in complex conflicts.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable resource for students, scholars, and policymakers interested in civil wars. It offers a comprehensive and accessible overview of the field, highlighting the latest research and trends. The authors' expertise and insights provide valuable guidance for understanding and addressing the complex dynamics of civil conflicts. By addressing the factors that contribute to their onset, duration, outcomes, and recurrence, this book contributes to the development of effective strategies for conflict prevention, resolution, and post-conflict recovery.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538169155
Edition number: Second Edition