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Journal Article 1: Fearon, J. D. (2004). Why do some civil wars last so much longer than others? Journal of Peace Research, 41(3), 275-301. doi:10.1177/0022343304043770

Summary: Fearon argues that different types of civil wars will have different durations. He examines five factors that relate to civil war duration; to explain the five different factors, Fearon develops a model that uses the commitment problem and availability of resources to explain civil war duration.

Questions to Consider

1. What is the commitment problem?

2. What are the five factors that Fearon identifies as affecting civil war duration?

3. Why do civil wars that involve land or natural resources and competing ethnic groups last longer according to Fearon?

 

Journal Article 2: Houweling, H. W., & Siccama, J. G. (1991). Power transitions and critical points as predictors of great power war: Toward a synthesis. Journal of Conflict Resolution, 35(4), 642-658. doi:10.1177/0022002791035004004

Summary: This is a heavily empirical article that examines the concept of power transitions (one state passing another in power) coupled with critical points (a point where a state’s power dramatically changes). It finds that when two states are transition in power while one is going through a critical point, war is likely to occur.

Questions to Consider

1. Why might states be more likely to fight when engaged in a power transition?

2. This article’s findings are based on a limited number of cases. Do you believe that the number of cases presented provide for a firm foundation for the argument?

3. Based on this article, should we fear the potential of war between the US and China? If so, under what conditions would such a war be most likely to occur?

 

Journal Article 3: Jervis, R. (2011). Force in our times. International Relations, 25(4), 403-425. doi:10.1177/0047117811422531

Summary: This article notes the general downward trend in warfare since the end of the Cold War while also noting that the US as well as the United Kingdom and France have been engaged in numerous military “adventures” during the same time period.

Questions to Consider

1. Since this article was written, we have actually seen increased violence in the Middle East with conflicts in Syria and Yemen spilling over to their neighbors. Does this suggest the trend noted by Jervis was temporary?

2. Jervis identifies the presence of a security community among the world’s leading powers. Does a resurgent and assertive Russia and a rising China challenge this perspective? How does Jervis recommend addressing Russia and China?

3. What “new” types of threats does Jervis address in his examination of new challenges facing the world?

 

Journal Article 4: Linebarger, C. (2016). Dangerous lessons: Rebel learning and mobilization in the international system. Journal of Peace Research, 53(5), 633-647. doi:10.1177/0022343316653462

Summary: This article uses quantitative analysis to learn whether or not rebellions in one state influence the existence of rebellions in other states. It finds that ongoing rebellions may inspire rebellions in nearby states, while successful rebellions may have a more global impact.

Questions to Consider

1. Why might rebellions in one state lead groups in a nearby state to rebel?

2. The author finds that successful rebellions may inspire rebellions by groups in countries with similar regimes around the world. The author suggests that ideology may play a role in this contagion, though he does not specifically test this. Do you agree that this is a possibility? If so, how might ideology play a role?

3. If the author’s findings are correct, what does it suggest about the potential impact of the ongoing civil wars in Syria and Yemen on other states?

 

Journal Article 5: Phillips, B. J. (2015). Civil war, spillover and neighbors’ military spending. Conflict Management and Peace Science, 32(4), 425-442. doi:10.1177/0738894214530853

Summary: This article finds that civil wars in nearby states may lead to an increase in military spending in states that are not currently at war or engaged in a civil war.

Questions to Consider

1. What is the causal mechanism the author identifies for why civil conflict in a neighboring state may lead to increased military spending?

2. Do you believe that this increase in military spending is a different type of security dilemma?

3. The author also explores the negative consequences of military spending. What are some of those consequences? Do you find his argument to be persuasive?