How Civil Wars Start And How to Stop Them By Barbara F. Walter

In "How Civil Wars Start," Barbara F. Walter sheds light on the alarming surge in civil wars around the world, a trend largely unnoticed amidst declining global violence. Unlike historical norms, where organized resistance against governments was rare, the post-1946 era has seen a dramatic rise in armed conflicts, with over 250 recorded since then.

Walter, drawing on her extensive expertise in political violence and advising various institutions including the CIA and the United Nations, delves into the underlying factors fueling this phenomenon. From major conflicts in countries like Iraq and Syria to smaller-scale unrest in places like Ukraine and India, civil wars have become increasingly prevalent, even in nations previously deemed stable.

By analyzing the conditions that contribute to the outbreak and escalation of civil wars, Walter offers crucial insights into why these conflicts occur and how they can be prevented. With democracies facing backsliding and growing polarization among citizens, the risk of civil wars intensifies. "How Civil Wars Start" serves as an urgent call to action, highlighting the need for concerted efforts to address underlying grievances and promote peacebuilding initiatives to avert further escalation of conflicts worldwide.