War, Hunger, and Displacement: Volume 1

This comprehensive study examines the roots of humanitarian emergencies in developing countries, analyzing economic, political, and environmental factors while proposing preventative policies to reduce human suffering caused by civil wars.

War, Hunger, and Displacement: Volume 1 explores the escalating civil wars in developing countries, which have become a leading cause of human suffering since the Cold War's conclusion. The authors, Nafziger, Stewart, and Väyrynen, present a comprehensive analysis of the economic, political, and environmental factors contributing to these humanitarian crises. This volume aims to provide a foundational understanding of the nature and origins of such conflicts, moving beyond typical political analyses to delve into their deeper roots.

The book emphasizes that civil wars are often driven by a combination of protracted economic stagnation, government exclusion of specific social groups, and the failure of state institutions. It critiques common perceptions that attribute these emergencies solely to environmental degradation or ethnic tensions. Instead, the authors argue that violent conflicts emerge from the intricate interplay of cultural, economic, and political elements, highlighting the importance of addressing horizontal inequalities, which refer to disparities among different groups in accessing resources.

In addition to outlining the causes of conflict, the authors advocate for proactive measures to prevent humanitarian emergencies. They suggest that implementing effective policies could be significantly less costly than the current global approach, which focuses on post-conflict mediation and relief efforts. By identifying early intervention strategies, War, Hunger, and Displacement: Volume 1 aims to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding civil wars and their impacts on vulnerable populations.