How Civil Wars Start by Barbara F. Walter
And How to Stop Them
The book argues that modern civil wars are not inevitable results of ancient hatreds or poverty but emerge when political leaders and elites erode democratic norms, polarize society, and mobilize supporters to view opponents as existential enemies; elections and contested power transitions often become flashpoints when institutions are weak, security forces are politicized, and grievances are amplified by elite behavior and identity-based narratives. It identifies risk factors—deep partisan polarization, elite fragmentation, poor governance, economic shocks, and the decline of institutional safeguards—and stresses that early warning, strengthening institutions, protecting impartial law enforcement and courts, and reducing elite incentives for violence are essential to preventing democratic breakdown and mass political violence.
- Published
- 2022
- Nationality
- American
- Length
- Unknown
- Pages
- Unknown
- Original Language
- English
- Avg User Rating
-
(4.0)
- Alternate Titles
- None
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