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Theories of Violent Conflict

An Introduction

Jolle Demmers author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:8th Aug '16

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

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Theories of Violent Conflict cover

This textbook offers a thorough introduction to theoretical approaches in violent conflict, emphasizing group dynamics and motivations. Theories of Violent Conflict is essential for students in related fields.

This textbook serves as a comprehensive introduction for students exploring the complexities of violent conflict. In its revised second edition, Theories of Violent Conflict presents a variety of prominent theoretical approaches, delving into the ontological stances and epistemological traditions that underpin these frameworks. The updated content reflects the evolving nature of conflict studies, ensuring that readers are equipped with the most current perspectives in the field.

Central to the discussion in Theories of Violent Conflict is the concept of the 'group' as a key actor in contemporary conflicts. The book poses three fundamental questions that guide its exploration: What constitutes a group? What drives a group to resort to violence? And what factors influence a group's decision to cease violent actions? By addressing these inquiries, the text provides a nuanced understanding of the motivations and dynamics of group behavior in violent contexts.

The book examines these questions through various lenses, including primordialism, constructivism, social identity theory, and more. The final chapter aims to integrate structure and agency-based theories, proposing a critical discourse analysis of violent conflict. With updated discussions on violence, religion, extremism, and military urbanism, Theories of Violent Conflict is essential for students of war, peace studies, conflict resolution, and related fields, offering valuable insights into the challenges of contemporary conflict analysis.

'This book is a masterly effort to navigate us through the multiple ways of thinking about armed conflicts and violence. Amongst its many achievements, are precisely the one which urges us to recognize the implicit assumptions we bring to bear when analyzing these dark aspects of our human communities and how we might build better conversations between theories of conflict in order to re-invigorate our thinking and practice of violence reduction and peace building.' -- Jenny Pearce, University of Bradford, UK

'Demmers brings unique explanatory powers to theories of violence; capturing and interrogating their development, meanings and applications in a conflicted global environment. Cogent, comprehensive and compelling, this is a book for our times.' --Judith Large, University of Kent, UK

'This updated Demmers text provides a very helpful and accessible framework for understanding the variety, subtlety and breadth of theories of violent conflict and their interconnectedness. This version captures emerging theories and provides updated case studies for a fresh perspective.' --Gloria Rhodes, Emory University, USA

'Demmers makes a topic that many students struggle with (theory) accessible through clear and concise writing and the use of the Hollis matrix to identify the philosophical assumptions that distinguish theories from each other.'--Maia Carter Hallward, Kennesaw University, USA

Praise for the first edition:

'Theories of Violent Conflict is a delight to read. It has a depth and intellectual passion that students will find very attractive. It is both approachable and straightforward, and yet penetrating and theoretically rich.' -- Hugh Miall, University of Kent, UK

'Jolle Demmers has produced a timely, comprehensive and richly interwoven account of the main theories underpinning our understanding of conflict and chronic insecurity. Lucidly written and explained, from identity through culture and global governance, to rational choice and discourse analysis, Demmers effortlessly brings order and insight to an otherwise fragmented field. Widely referenced and clearly structured, Theories of Violent Conflict is an essential and authoritative guide for students, academics and concerned public alike. --Mark Duffield, University of Bristol, UK

'Theories of Violent Conflictis a book of remarkable scope that will prove invaluable to academia, government and policy circles, and practitioners of conflict resolution and peacebuilding….Demmers deftly and insightfully guides the reader through a rigorous journey of comparative analysis, elucidating the theoretical underpinnings and practical implications of the major approaches that seek to explain contemporary world conflicts.'-- Jerry W. Sanders, University of California, Berkeley, USA

ISBN: 9781138856400

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 317g

166 pages

2nd edition