Barbara F. Walter, a leading expert on political violence, explores the alarming global surge in civil wars and the conditions fostering them. Challenging the perception that civil conflicts are rare, Walter reveals that we are in an unprecedented era of internal strife, from active battlegrounds like Syria and Ukraine to growing unrest in established democracies. This book provides a rigorous analysis of why civil wars start and offers insights into preventing their escalation.

Why You Should Read?

• Understand the contemporary global landscape of civil conflict and its underlying causes.
• Gain insights from a political violence expert who has advised international bodies like the CIA and the UN.
• Examine the role of backsliding democracies and increasing societal polarization in fueling internal conflicts.
• Learn about potential warning signs of civil unrest in diverse nations, including the USA and European countries.