United They Fall: Why the International Community Should Not Promote Military Integration after Civil War

Summary

Many international peacebuilders have suggested that integrating opposing combatants into a national military after civil war helps prevent conflict from recurring. Analysis of eleven cases of post–civil war military integration, however, reveals little evidence to support this claim. Underlying political conditions, not military integration, determine whether peace endures.

Read: The authors have written a policy brief based on the article.

Read: The authors' post on the Washington Post's Monkey Cage blog