Ending Civil Wars: A Case for Rebel Victory

Ending Civil Wars: A Case for Rebel Victory?

This article, written by Monica Duffy Toft and published in International Security, Vol. 34, No. 4 (Spring 2010), critically examines conventional approaches to civil war termination. It challenges the prevalent notion that negotiated settlements are the most effective means to achieve lasting peace and post-conflict stability, arguing instead for a more nuanced understanding of conflict resolution, particularly highlighting the efficacy of rebel victories under certain conditions.

Introduction to the Debate

• Prevailing Policy Preference: Since World War II, policymakers and scholars have favored negotiated settlements for civil wars, utilizing third-party resources like economic incentives and diplomatic efforts.

• **Counter-Argument (