This comprehensive new Handbook explores the significance and nature of intrastate conflict and civil war in the modern world, covering a wide range of topics including micro-level issues as well as broader debates. It includes essays by leading contributors from around the world and will set a benchmark for future research in the field.

1. Introduction, Edward Newman and Karl DeRouen Jr. Part I. Understanding and Explaining Civil Wars: Theoretical and Methodological Debates 2. Theoretical Developments in Understanding the Origins of Civil War, Peter Wallensteen 3. Quantitative and Econometric Methodologies, Govinda Clayton 4. Anthropological and Ethnographic Approaches, Paul Richards 5. Sociological Approaches, Siniša Malešević and Niall Ó Dochartaigh 6. Micro-level Studies, Nils B. Weidmann 7. Critical Perspectives, Richard Jackson Part II. The Causes of Civil Wars 8. Ethnicity and Identity Conflict, Neal G. Jesse 9. Horizontal Inequalities and Violent Conflict: Conceptual and Empirical Linkages, Arnim Langer and Frances Stewart 10. Valuable Natural Resources, Päivi Lujala 11. Demographic Factors and Civil War, Gudrun Østby and Henrik Urdal 12. Regime Type and Political Transition in Civil War, Kristian Skrede Gleditsch and Håvard Hegre 13. Religion and Intrastate Conflict, Jonathan Fox 14. Statebuilding, Upheaval and Civil War, Edward Newman 15. Globalization and Social Transition, Gerald Schneider 16. Environmental Change and Armed Conflict, Halvard Buhaug and Hanne Seter Part III. The Nature and Impact of Civil Wars 17. The Changing Nature of Intrastate Conflict and ‘New Wars’, Caroline Kennedy and Tom Waldman 18. The Determinants of the Continuation of Civil War, Isabelle Duyvesteyn 19. Patterns of Civil Wars in the 21st Century: The Decline of Civil War?, Meredith Reid Sarkees 20. Military Tactics in Civil War, Erin M. Kearns and Joseph K. Young 21. Forced Migration as a Cause and Consequence of Civil War, Idean Salehyan 22. The Way Forward, or Just Another Tool in the Toolbox? Social Media and What it Means for Conflict Researchers, Thomas Zeitzoff 23. Violence against Civilians, Lisa Hultman 24. The Duration and Recurrence of Civil War, Karl DeRouen Jr. Part IV. International Dimensions 25. Interventions into Civil Wars: Literature, Contemporary Policy and Future Research, Patrick M. Regan 26. International Humanitarian Law in Civil War, Emily Hencken Ritter 27. State Failure, Development and International Security: The Challenges of Intervening in Fragile States, David Carment, Joe Landry and Yiagadeesen Samy Part V. Termination and Resolution of Civil Wars 28. How Civil Wars End (and Recur), Joakim Kreutz 29. Conflict Resolution in Civil Wars, Isak Svensson 30. Peacebuilding after Civil War, Caroline A. Hartzell

"[U]seful for instructors teaching undergraduate or graduate courses in civil wars, conflict studies, and international relations... Summing Up: Recommended" --M. L. Keck, University of Texas at Brownsville, CHOICE Magazine‘The quantitative, qualitative and comparative approaches will likely earn this volume recognition and make significant contributions to scholarship…the editors and contributors have provided readers of all levels with engaging accounts of the most current issues, debates and approaches ideal for specialists and non-specialists alike.’– Scott Romaniuk, University of Trento, Political Studies Review