Why a Journal of Civil Wars?

The article reflects on the founding of the journal "Civil Wars" and the motivations behind its creation. The authors discuss the prevalence of conflict and war in the 1990s, particularly the emergence of "new wars" characterized by mass atrocities and ethnic conflict. They also explore the potential for peace and the role of international intervention in resolving civil wars. The article acknowledges the complexities of religious sentiment and ideology in global politics, as well as the failures and consequences of military interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan. The authors emphasize the importance of understanding the human dimension of war, particularly the impact on civilians, and challenge established orthodoxies regarding the costs of conflict. The article concludes by acknowledging the ongoing relevance of the journal in the face of current global conflicts. [Extracted from the article]