Civil Wars Explained

Causes, Lasting Scars, and the Evolving Nature of Global Conflicts

The Anatomy of Internal Strife

Complex conflicts are driven by more than just identity. Contemporary research points to a duel between economic motivation and societal injustice.

Greed

Economic gain & resource control

vs

Grievance

Inequality & political disenfranchisement

The primary driver—greed or grievance—dictates the path to resolution. Economic incentives or systemic reform? The answer is key.

Example: The American Civil War was fueled by slavery (grievance), states' rights (political), and economic disparities (greed).

Since WWII, civil wars last significantly longer than interstate wars, deepening societal wounds and amplifying destruction.

>4

Years

Average Duration Post-WWII

The consequences are devastating, creating intergenerational cycles of suffering and systemic disruption.

Millions Dead

Massive loss of life & displacement.

Economic Collapse

Infrastructure and development crippled.

Profound Trauma

Deep social and psychological scars.

Conflict Recurrence

High susceptibility to future wars.

The legacy of war creates the very conditions—poverty, division, trauma—that can ignite future violence, making lasting peace an elusive goal.

Contemporary civil wars are the dominant form of conflict, growing more complex, intractable, and deadlier for civilians.

Organized Crime: Blurring lines between political and criminal violence.

Internationalization: External powers and fighters prolonging conflicts.

Jihadist Groups: Rise of non-state actors with transnational goals.

Ideology Religion & Identity

Conflicts are increasingly fueled by religious motivations and identity-based grievances, making traditional peace settlements more difficult.

Civil wars are driven by a mix of "greed" (economic gain) and "grievance" (injustice), worsened by state fragility and exploitable resources.

Their long duration leads to profound consequences like economic collapse, societal trauma, and a high risk of the conflict recurring.

Modern conflicts are increasingly complex, intractable, and driven by religion or identity, complicated by crime and international involvement.