Rethinking the Economics of War The Intersection of Need, Creed, and Greed by Cynthia J. Arnson

Description Rethinking the Economics of War: The Intersection of Need, Creed, and Greed questions the adequacy of explaining today’s internal armed conflicts purely in terms of economic factors and reestablishes the importance of identity and grievances in creating and sustaining such wars. This collection of essays responds to current works asserting that the income from natural resources is the end and not just a means for warring rebel groups. The study puts greed in its place and restores the importance of deprivation and discrimination as the primary causes of armed conflict within states. Countries studied include Lebanon, Sierra Leone, Angola, the Republic of the Congo, Colombia, and Afghanistan.The issue of the relationship between economics and conflicts needs much more examination than it has received to date. This book will make a very important contribution to the debate and as such is quite exciting. The authors have been very serious in their work and yet are able to introduce the reader to a complex analysis of complex conflicts in very engaging ways. The book will be welcomed by scholars and practitioners focused on managing conflict, and by area studies specialists of the countries examined in the case studies. — Pamela Aall, U.S. Institute for PeaceAbout the AuthorCynthia Arnson is Deputy Director of the Latin American Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. William Zartman is Jacob Blaustein Professor of International Organizations and Conflict Resolution and Director of the Conflict Management Program at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.ReviewsRecommended. Choice 2006 Comprehensive and well-executed examination of the multiple dimensions-political, economic, ideational and historical-that come together to spark intra-state violence and impede its revolution. — Lee J. M. Seymour Political Studies Review 2006 An important book… I can strongly recommend it. — Ron Smith Economics of Peace and Security Journal 2007 The book maintains a high level of scholarship, addressing the audiences from virtually every field that attempts to understand human social dynamics. — Muhammad M. Haque Journal of Third World Studies 2008 The anthology contributes to our understanding of why some violent internal conflicts are so enduring. — Walter W. Hill International Journal on World Peace 2009Book InformationISBN 9780801882982Author Cynthia J. ArnsonFormat PaperbackPage Count 320Imprint Johns Hopkins University PressPublisher Johns Hopkins University PressWeight(grams) 408gDimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 21mm