Resolving International Conflict: Dynamics of Escalation, Continuation and Transformation

Resolving International Conflict rethinks the dynamics of conflict escalation and continuation by engaging with research from the wide range of subfields in this area.

The book suggests a new framework for understanding conflict as a particular form of situation, interaction and tension. It shows how conflicts are shaped by varied dynamics relating to emotion, securitization, incentives, digital technology and violence; even attempts at monitoring, resolving or remembering conflicts may end up contributing to their escalation or continuation. Split into two sections, the first part focuses on the question of why and how conflicts escalate, while the second part analyses the continuation of conflict. The book features several case studies of conflict escalation and continuation - in Bahrain, Israel-Palestine, South Sudan, Northern Ireland and, most prominently, the case of the Syrian uprising and subsequent civil war. Throughout the book, and, in particular, in the conclusion, the consequences for conflict transformation are discussed.

This work will be of much interest to students of conflict resolution, peace studies, war and conflict studies, security studies and international relations, in general.

Isabel Bramsen is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Centre for Resolution of International Conflict (CRIC), University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Poul Poder is Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, and the Deputy Director of CRIC (2013–2016).

Ole Wæver is a Professor of International Relations at the Department of Political Science, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, and the Founder of the research centres CAST (Centre for Advanced Security Theory) and CRIC.