Comparative Studies of Conflict

Catalog description

Provides a critical overview of key theories on the causes, justifications and structures of political conflict and the use of violence with a special focus on ethnic conflict. Begins by outlining core issues within the problem of social order, that is, how to think about managing governance and power. Reviews the idea of 'collective action' and its link with force and violence, ideas that are contrasted with nonviolence as a political strategy. Then considers civil wars and interstate wars, comparing these forms of organized violence, as well as the current challenges of armed nonstate actors (within an international system premised on states) and an overview of the meaning of peace. Links the issues and theories reviewed with case studies and concrete examples as a means of linking key ideas with their practical and policy implications.