The International Dimensions of Internal Conflict

Abstract

"Exhaustively analyzes the domestic, regional, and international dimensions of internal conflicts, seeking to go beyond the `ancient hatreds' interpretation of popular journalism to understand why such conflicts are occurring now and how they might be ameliorated. ... provides a useful framework for dealing with specific cases."
-- Francis Fukuyama, Foreign Affairs

"A unique and very welcome addition to the literature on ethnic and civil wars. The book combines comprehensive, global coverage with a problem-solving focus and sophisticated scholarly insights. Timely regional surveys are matched with timeless essays on fundamental issues of conflict prevention and management."

--Professor Jack Snyder, Director, Institute of War and Peace Studies, Columbia University

"A must-read for scholars and policymakers concerned about ethnic and internal conflict. In its breadth and depth, this book is a major contribution."
-- Dr. Charles Kupchan, Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations, and Professor of International Relations, Georgetown University

"The International Dimensions of Internal Conflict offers a comprehensive treatment of a difficult subject. Those in need of a thoughtful analysis of these issues should not leave home without it."
-- Dr. John Chipman, Director, International Institute for Strategic Studies

"Scholars and policymakers who want to know more about the causes and consequences of internal conflict... should read The International Dimensions of Internal Conflict. It deals with this important subject in a comprehensive and insightful way."
-- Professor John Mearsheimer, University of Chicago

"A major, welcome step toward providing the clues in a study that systematically analyzes both the causes of internal conflict and the role of outside intervention in it."
-- Dr. William Durch, Director, Project on Peacekeeping, Henry L. Stimson Center

"A must-read for scholars and policymakers concerned about ethnic and internal conflict. In its breadth and depth, this book is a major contribution."
-- Dr. Charles Kupchan, Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations, and Professor of International Relations, Georgetown University

Deadly internal conflicts threaten dozens of countries and major regions around the world. One of the most critical issues in contemporary international security, it is examined in this book by twenty experts of the Project on Internal Conflict at Harvard University's Center for Science and International Affairs.

The first part of the book examines the sources of internal conflicts and the ways these may spill over or draw in neighboring states and the international community. Region by region, the book discusses the former Yugoslavia and the Balkans, East-central Europe, Russia and the former Soviet Union, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Central and South America.

The second part examines specific problems, policy instruments, and key actors including: the control of aggressive nationalism, the prevention of secessionist violence, and the resolution of civil wars; the roles of the media and nongovernmental organizations; arms limitations and economic sanctions; military challenges; the policies of the United States and the United Nations; and the prospects for collective action. The book recommends specific approaches to help prevent and moderate internal conflict and to limit its spread when it arises.

Michael E. Brown is Dean of the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University.