Understanding Conflict Resolution

The definitive textbook from one of the most-cited scholars in the field of peace and conflict research. Understanding Conflict Resolution - the updated Sixth Edition - is a contemporary and fully revised introduction to resolving wars within and between states. It illustrates the ways to secure peace in the aftermath of all forms of political violence: from using armed force against civilians to gender-based violence; genocide to terrorism.

Building on the many peace agreements that have been concluded in the past 30 years, this book draws on the UCDP, a definitive source for data on conflicts, wars and peace, and offers pathways to peace agreements in today’s increasingly unpredictable global political landscape. Featuring the latest research and with examples throughout, including an analysis of the origins and dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine war, this text introduces the tools to understand conflict resolution and analyse future challenges to global peace.

This new edition has been fully revised and updated. It includes a contemporary focus on issues and examples that reflect the dynamics of political conflict today, and the addition of three cases to demonstrate application of theory and conclusions drawing from the latest research and up-to-date UCDP data.

The perfect guide for undergraduate and postgraduate students taking Peace and Conflict courses, and wider Programmes in Negotiations, Mediation, and the UN.

Peter Wallensteen is a leading expert on international peace, Senior Professor of Peace and Conflict Research at Uppsala University, Sweden, and the founder and former director of UCDP, the Uppsala Conflict Data Program. He holds the position of Richard G. Starmann, Sr. Professor Emeritus in Peace Studies, Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame, US.