Stopping the Killing: How Civil Wars End

From Ceasefire to Civil Society: Understanding How Civil Wars Finally End

Stopping the Killing is a groundbreaking collection that explores how civil wars conclude—and what factors determine whether peace will last. Edited by political scientist Roy Licklider, the book brings together both theoretical essays and detailed case studies to examine why some civil wars end in negotiated settlements while others result in total victory or prolonged violence.

With contributions from leading scholars, the book analyzes real-world examples including Nigeria, Sudan, Colombia, Yemen, Zimbabwe, Greece, and the United States. Each case offers insights into the political, social, and military conditions that shape the outcomes of internal conflict.

Key themes include:

• The role of military stalemates in encouraging negotiation
• The influence of external actors and international pressure
• Challenges of building inclusive post-war institutions
• The balance between justice and reconciliation

This book remains essential reading for students, researchers, and practitioners of peacebuilding, international relations, and conflict resolution. It offers not only historical depth but also practical frameworks for understanding how deeply divided societies can move from war to peace.