This book provides a comprehensive overview of the civil wars that have taken place globally since World War II. The text opens with a discussion of the human and economic costs of civil war, and then systematically examines all aspects of civil wars: civil war patterns, types, and causes; the effect of natural resources; conflict duration, outcomes, and termination; peace agreements; counterinsurgency; terrorism; international intervention; and post-conflict issues. Author Karl DeRouen, Jr. draws on the latest empirical research and major theoretical debates and connects them to extended case studies of current conflict. Pedagogical features -- tables, figures, maps, photos, a comprehensive bibliography, lists of suggested readings, and an Appendix listing all civil wars since 1946 -- make the book an especially useful research tool for undergraduates and graduate students in political science and public policy.

Chapter 1: Introduction
Theme of the Book
The Basics of Civil War
Civil War Onset
The Duration of Civil Wars
Outcome and Termination of Civil Wars
Civil War Recurrence
Civil War Patterns
Conclusion
Suggested Reading
Chapter 2: Costs of Civil War
Casualties
Displacement
Economic Costs
Crime and Violence
Education
Environment
Conflict Management Implications
Conclusion
Suggested Reading
Chapter 3: Civil War Dynamics
Civil War Types and Trends
Civil War Tactics
Conflict Management Implications
Conclusion
Suggested Reading
Chapter 4: What Causes Civil War?
Approaches to Civil War Onset
Ethno-Religious Civil War
Conflict Management Implications
Conclusion
Suggested Reading
Chapter 5: Natural Resources and Civil War
Natural Resources and the Resource Curse
Resources and Conflict
Oil, Diamonds, Illicit Drugs, and Timber
Conclusion
Suggested Reading
Chapter 6: The Termination of Civil War and Post-Conflict Issues
Types and Trends in Civil War Outcomes
Types of Peace Agreements
Post-Conflict Issues
Implications for Conflict Management
Conclusion
Suggested Reading
Chapter 7: International Intervention
Types of International Interventions
Mediation
Peace Agreements and Military Provisions
Peacebuilding
Humanitarian Law
Implications for Conflict Management
Conclusion
Suggested Reading
Chapter 8: Terrorism and Civil War
What is Terrorism?
Incidence of Terrorism
Tactics, Targets, and Means
Terrorism During Civil War
Causes of Terrorism
Characteristics and Structure of Terrorist Groups
Islam, Civil War, and Terrorism
Conflict Termination and Terrorist Spoilers
Case Studies
Implications for Conflict Management
Conclusion
Suggested Reading
Chapter 9: Conclusion
Civil War Costs and Trends
Overview of Conclusions and Policy Implications
Final Word

Karl DeRouen Jr. is Professor of Political Science and Director of the International Studies B.A program at The University of Alabama. His work focuses on civil war, conflict management and international political economy. His recently published books include Introduction to Civil Wars (2014, CQ Press), Routledge Handbook of Civil Wars (2014, Routledge, co-edited with Edward Newman) and Understanding Foreign Policy Decision Making (2010, Cambridge University Press; with Alex Mintz). His work has also appeared in Journal of Politics, Journal of Peace Research, British Journal of Political Science, International Organization, Journal of Conflict Resolution, International Studies Quarterly among others.