This book argues that understanding the complex functions of wars - alongside other forms of human disaster such as famine and ethnic strife - is essential if we are to reduce suffering and move towards lasting peace agreements

David Keen questions the model of war as a contest between two sides aiming at political and military victory, and he also rejects the contrasting view that war represents a collapse into anarchy, mindless violence and ethnic hatred. Rather than a contest or a collapse, war is analysed as a system that has significant functions and that yields complex economic, political and psychological benefits.Some may be more interested in prolonging a war than in ending it. War may help elites to derail democracy and suppress dissent; it may be profitable for government and rebel actors; and it may allow armed groups to enjoy a sense of power over unarmed civilians.This book argues that understanding the complex functions of wars - alongside other forms of human disaster such as famine and ethnic strife - is essential if we are to reduce suffering and move towards lasting peace agreements.Complex Emergencies will be essential reading for students of development,political economy, political science and international relations.

Acknowledgements

Introduction

1 War

2 Greed: Economic Agendas

3 Combatants and Their Grievances

4 Defining the Enemy

5 Famine

6 A/d

7 Information

8 Peace

Conclusion

Notes

Bibliography

Index