Understanding Conflict and Conflict Analysis
- Ho-Won Jeong - George Mason University, Virginia, USA
—J. David Singer, University of Michigan
"Jeong has successfully combined behavioral and structural analysis of the dynamics of social conflict. This volume covers the multiple dimensions - escalation, entrapment, de-escalation, termination, and resolution - both of violent and non-violent confrontation between adversaries, as well as the utility and limitations of external intervention. For students of the social sciences, it should serve as an excellent introduction to the complex realities of social conflict."
—Milton Esman, John S. Knight Professor of International Studies, Emeritus, Cornell University
By examining the dynamic forces which shape and re-shape major conflicts, Understanding Conflict and Conflict Analysis provides students with the new knowledge base needed to successfully study conflict sources, processes and transformations. It covers social, political, and psychological features central to understanding conflict situations and behavior.
A wide range of both recent and historical examples (including the Arab-Israeli conflict, US-Russia relations, the "War on Terrorism," civil wars in Sudan, Iraq, former Yugoslavia, Sri Lanka) are discussed in a comparative context, illustrating the application of concepts and theories essential to the analysis of inter-group, inter-state conflict and prospects for conflict resolution.
Intended Audience: This will be a key text for students of international relations, peace and conflict studies, psychology, sociology, international security and international law.
"Ho-Won Jeong has written an illuminating analysis of the dynamics of conflict. He lays out the tools we have to analyze conflict in a literate and comprehensive way. A valuable book for anyone interested in a more comprehensive understanding of conflict, its sources, and its de-escalation and termination."
—Janice Gross Stein, Belzberg Professor of Conflict Management, Director, Munk Centre for International Studies, University of Toronto
'...effectively fills a long-standing void and will no doubt be hailed as a much-needed new addition to the literature... This text very much exemplifies the strength of Ho-Won Jeong as a theorist and one of the more prolific writers in the larger peace and conflict studies field... the final three chapters on 'De-escalation Dynamics' (which includes a brief section on third party intervention), on 'Conciliation Strategies,' and especially the one on 'Ending Conflict,' which provides a range of outcomes beyond the usual focus on third party intervention (read mediation) epitomizes the value of this new text' - Journal of Peace Research
'…an awesome tour d'horizon of modern war, violence, and confrontation within and between nations. Illustrating via just about every conflict in every corner of the world, the author invokes an endless array of insights and interpretations, ranging from the micro to the macro, beautifully written in a seamless sequence of closely linked and discursive essays.' - Professor J. David Singer, University of Michigan
'Ho-Won Jeong has written an illuminatinbg analysis of the dynamics of conflict. He lays out the tools we have to analyze conflict in a literate and comprehensive way. A valuable book for anyone interested in a more comprehensive understanding of conflict, its sources, and its deescalation and termination' - Janice Gross Stein, Belzberg Professor of Conflict Management, Director, Munk Centre for International Studies, University of Toronto
'Jeong has successfully combined behavioral and structural analysis of the dynamics of social conflict. This volume covers the multiple dimensions - escalation, entrapment, de-escalation, termination, and resolution - both of violent and non-violent confrontation between adversaries, as well as the utility and limitations of external intervention. For students of the social sciences, it should serve as an excellent introduction to the complex realities of social conflict.' - Milton Esman, John S. Knight Professor of International Studies, Emeritus, Cornell University
Recommended for advanced students of IR willing to deepen their knowledge in relation to the dynamics of contemporary conflict phenomena in international politics from a theoretical point of view.
A timely contribution text for graduate class on international conflict
Interesting approach to the subject. Simply not in line with the learning needs of my students.
Excellent new resource in the field of conflict analysis.
The first section on concepts provides a clear and concise introduction to the essential elements on my undergraduate course. The second section is a superb overview of the key theories I would like my students to gain a basic grasp of throughout the program. The final section breaks down the study to different phases in the conflict life-cycle. This is an excellent manner of organizing the discussion and is expertly written. Overall I would strongly recommend the adoption of this text.
Sage College Publishing
