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An Introduction to Civil Wars
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An Introduction to Civil Wars

First Edition


September 2014 | 312 pages | CQ Press
There are currently more than 30 active civil wars worldwide. An Introduction to Civil Wars provides a comprehensive overview of the civil wars that have taken place globally since World War II. The text opens with a discussion of the human and economic costs of civil war, and then systematically examines all aspects of civil wars: civil war patterns, types, and causes; the effect of natural resources; conflict duration, outcomes, and termination; peace agreements; counterinsurgency; terrorism; international intervention; and post-conflict issues. Author Karl DeRouen, Jr. draws on the latest empirical research and major theoretical debates and connects them to extended case studies of current conflict. Pedagogical features -- tables, figures, maps, photos, a comprehensive bibliography, lists of suggested readings, and an Appendix listing all civil wars since 1946 -- make the book an especially useful research tool for undergraduates and graduate students in political science and public policy.
 
Chapter 1: Introduction
Theme of the Book

 
The Basics of Civil War

 
Civil War Onset

 
The Duration of Civil Wars

 
Outcome and Termination of Civil Wars

 
Civil War Recurrence

 
Civil War Patterns

 
Conclusion

 
Suggested Reading

 
 
Chapter 2: Costs of Civil War
Casualties

 
Displacement

 
Economic Costs

 
Crime and Violence

 
Education

 
Environment

 
Conflict Management Implications

 
Conclusion

 
Suggested Reading

 
 
Chapter 3: Civil War Dynamics
Civil War Types and Trends

 
Civil War Tactics

 
Conflict Management Implications

 
Conclusion

 
Suggested Reading

 
 
Chapter 4: What Causes Civil War?
Approaches to Civil War Onset

 
Ethno-Religious Civil War

 
Conflict Management Implications

 
Conclusion

 
Suggested Reading

 
 
Chapter 5: Natural Resources and Civil War
Natural Resources and the Resource Curse

 
Resources and Conflict

 
Oil, Diamonds, Illicit Drugs, and Timber

 
Conclusion

 
Suggested Reading

 
 
Chapter 6: The Termination of Civil War and Post-Conflict Issues
Types and Trends in Civil War Outcomes

 
Types of Peace Agreements

 
Post-Conflict Issues

 
Implications for Conflict Management

 
Conclusion

 
Suggested Reading

 
 
Chapter 7: International Intervention
Types of International Interventions

 
Mediation

 
Peace Agreements and Military Provisions

 
Peacebuilding

 
Humanitarian Law

 
Implications for Conflict Management

 
Conclusion

 
Suggested Reading

 
 
Chapter 8: Terrorism and Civil War
What is Terrorism?

 
Incidence of Terrorism

 
Tactics, Targets, and Means

 
Terrorism During Civil War

 
Causes of Terrorism

 
Characteristics and Structure of Terrorist Groups

 
Islam, Civil War, and Terrorism

 
Conflict Termination and Terrorist Spoilers

 
Case Studies

 
Implications for Conflict Management

 
Conclusion

 
Suggested Reading

 
 
Chapter 9: Conclusion
Civil War Costs and Trends

 
Overview of Conclusions and Policy Implications

 
Final Word

 

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1

Chapter 6


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